TORONTO -- Paul Konerko has been participating in baseball activities and is set to rejoin the White Sox on Friday in Kansas City, the day he is eligible to come off the seven-day disabled list.

The slugger, who sustained a concussion against the Royals on Aug. 7, has taken batting practice and participated in other light baseball drills and, so far, has checked out fine with no reported setbacks.

"Everything is looking pretty good that he would be able to come off Friday and be able to play," manager Robin Ventura said.

Ventura said he would likely use Konerko as the team's designated hitter for his first couple games back, which would likely keep Adam Dunn at first base to start Chicago's three-game set in Kansas City.

In Konerko's absence, Ventura has put together a number of different lineups, but said things would likely return to normal once Konerko returns, meaning the order would feature Dunn as the club's three- hitter, followed by Konerko, Alex Rios and A.J. Pierzynski.

Konerko, a six-time All-Star, is batting .316, with 18 homers, 54 RBIs and an .892 OPS.

Although Ventura is optimistic about Konerko's return, nothing is a given due to the uncertainty of concussions.

"Just keep your fingers crossed that everything is fine," Ventura said.

Ventura trying to monitor relief corps workload

TORONTO -- The White Sox have been involved in so many close games this season, and especially of late, that it has forced manager Robin Ventura to use the key members of his bullpen more than he would like.

The White Sox have played 73 games decided by three runs or fewer this season, and of their past 15, 13 have been decided by two runs or fewer -- three of which went into extra innings.

While he isn't concerned, Ventura would like to find ways to limit the workloads of Jesse Crain, Brett Myers and Matt Thornton -- the three who bridge the gap to closer Addison Reed.

"We have close games every night, it's the same guys [who pitch]," Ventura said. "You just try and patch it together and make sure they're staying healthy.

"The good news for me is they want the ball, they want to be able to pitch and they say they're fine."

Ventura said he would try to avoid Myers for Wednesday's game against Toronto, like he did with Crain on Tuesday.

Myers has made a positive impression on his skipper since the White Sox acquired him from the Astros on July 21.

In 13 appearances, the 31-year-old has allowed just one earned run, good for a 0.79 ERA, has a 0.70 WHIP and issued just two walks over 11 1/3 innings.

Myers, after closing for the Astros, has become a setup man for the White Sox and he has also been used as a starter in the past. Ventura described the right-hander as a pro.

"He comes in and knows what he's doing. Not afraid of any situation and that's the plus," Ventura said. "You get a guy with experience, knows what he's doing, has great stuff. It has just made us a better team."

Ventura said the addition of Myers has created some flexibility in the back end of the bullpen, allowing him to better mix and match in certain situations.

Myers' dominance while pitching in the American League for the first time has, not surprisingly, coincided with the recent surge of the rest of the bullpen.

Chicago relievers entered Wednesday's contest with a 1.83 ERA over the past 21 games, while holding opposing hitters to a .197 batting average.

Reed is one member of the White Sox who is pleased with the addition of Myers, and said he has been able to learn a little bit from him, such as how to attack hitters in certain situations.

"He just kind of took me through his mindset," said Reed, whose 21st save Tuesday tied a White Sox rookie record.

"Along with Brett, everybody else in the bullpen, if you need to ask them something, they are more than happy to answer it for you."

Hudson leaves game after fouling ball off foot

TORONTO -- White Sox second baseman Orlando Hudson was forced to leave Wednesday's 9-5 win at Rogers Centre in the sixth inning after fouling a 1-2 pitch off his left foot and sustaining a bruised big toe.

Hudson, who immediately went down in the batter's box, was tended to by team trainers and assisted off the field in obvious pain.

Second baseman Gordon Beckham, who was supposed to get the night off, entered as Hudson's replacement and struck out against Blue Jays starter Ricky Romero.

Hudson was playing in his first game since Aug. 8 and finished the contest 1-for-3. He singled in the fourth inning.

The 34-year-old, who began his Major League career with the Blue Jays in 2002, was a fan favorite over his four years in Toronto.