CHICAGO (AP) - Paul Konerko is not in the lineup for the Chicago White Sox, ending his streak of starting 16 straight times on opening day.
Konerko was on the bench Monday as the White Sox played at home against the Minnesota Twins.
The 38-year-old Konerko signed a one-year deal to return to Chicago for his final season as a part-time player, facing mostly left-handed pitchers. Twins starter Ricky Nolasco is right-handed.
Konerko had started 15 straight openers for the White Sox and 16 overall.
Rookie Jose Abreu is batting fourth and playing first base while Adam Dunn is the designated hitter in the fifth spot.
White Sox manager Robin Ventura said Sunday that Konerko wouldn’t start. Konerko was given the option of starting, but said he didn’t want to deviate from the team’s plan of using him as a part-time player just because it was opening day.
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