Chris Pratt to open 40th season of ‘Saturday Night Live’

Actor Chris Pratt dropped by Wrigley Field while he was in Chicago last week filming scenes for the upcoming season of “Parks and Recreation.” (Getty Images)

He threw out the ceremonial first pitch at a Cubs game last week, and later this month he’ll be the opener for the 40th season of “Saturday Night Live.”

“Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Parks and Recreation” star Chris Pratt is the first host of the new season for the Sept. 27 show, NBC announced Wednesday.

Ariana Grande will make her “SNL” musical guest debut. Grande is No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart with her album “My Everything.”

The following week, short-lived “SNL” cast member Sarah Silverman will return to Studio 8H for her first time as host. I hope her monologue includes a look at what’s inside her purse.

Her comedy album “Sarah Silverman: We Are Miracles” — taken from her Emmy-winning HBO special — drops September 23.

Maroon 5 returns for their fifth appearance as musical guest on October 4.

Rumors had been circulating that Bill Murray will do hosting duties this season, but NBC’s announcement had nary a mention of Murray. Fingers crossed. It’s a long season.