CHICAGO – The grind of a long season is beginning to wear on the White Sox amid their push for the playoffs.

First baseman Paul Konerko (mild concussion) and Alex Rios (back stiffness) sat out Wednesday’s series finale against the Kansas City Royals both as a precaution and for much-needed rest. Rios said his back had been bothering him the past few days, but it became stiffer Tuesday. With today’s off day providing added rest, Rios is not concerned about missing time. He’s played in all but three games this season.

“I want to come here and play every day and try to win as many games as we can,” Rios said. “A day like this, I think it’s best to take a day off and rest it instead of just aggravate it and make it worse. I would rather take this day off and tomorrow to feel better.”