Demotion Surprises Konerko

Paul Konerko, billed as Cincinnati’s cleanup hitter of the future, was stunned Wednesday when the last-place Reds sent him to triple-A Indianapolis to work on his batting.

Konerko, 22, who came from the Dodgers in the trade for closer Jeff Shaw before the All-Star break, was batting .182 with three homers for the Reds when he was optioned. Reliever Todd Williams was called up from Indianapolis to take his place.

The Reds have said they’re willing to let young players develop for the next few years while they rebuild. Cincinnati is in last place in the Central Division, having lost 10 of 12 games.

Given the situation, Konerko was surprised about the demotion.

“It doesn’t give me more confidence if I hit well in triple-A,” he said while packing his traveling bag. “Whether I was pressing here or the numbers weren’t there or whatever. I’m really speechless. I don’t really know how to explain it.”

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The Chicago Cubs bolstered their bullpen by acquiring Matt Karchner from the Chicago White Sox for minor league pitcher Jon Garland.

It was the first trade between the teams since the Cubs sent George Bell to the White Sox for Sammy Sosa and pitcher Ken Patterson on March 30, 1992.

Karchner, 31, who started the season as the White Sox closer, was 2-4 with 11 saves in 15 chances and a 5.15 earned-run average. He had struggled since coming off the disabled list July 9, going 0-2 with one save in four chances.