"Paul Konerko took some swings in the batting cage Wednesday, a sign he might play against the New York Yankees tonight.

''I think I'll be able to play tomorrow by what I did today,'' Konerko said. ''So we'll just have to wait and see. I wish it was today. In my mind, I didn't rule out today when I walked in, but I know what I did in the cage wouldn't cut it."

Konerko was hit by a pitch on his left calf near the knee Sunday. There are discomfort, mobility and nerve issues.

''This probably won't go away for a week or two,'' Konerko said.

''PK's the type of guy that when he says he's ready to go, he's ready,'' manager Ozzie Guillen said. ''He's not going to be a hero. Hopefully he can help us [tonight].''

Not his 1st choice

With Konerko sidelined, utility player Brent Lillibridge continued taking ground balls at first base.

''The hardest thing is running away from the action,'' Lillibridge said of deciding whether to retreat to the bag or go after a ground ball in the hole. ''It's a weird thing for me because you really have to pick and choose the ones you go after, fight your urge to go after everything.''

Lillibridge's playing time has been cut since June, but he knows the Sox are better off with Konerko at first. "