Jim Thome joins MLB Network as studio analyst

Jim Thome talks to reporters Wednesday at Guaranteed Rate Field. (Photo by Daryl Van Schouwen)

Jim Thome has been hired by MLB Network for studio work.

“It’s not full-time but it gives me an opportunity to have a little fun,’’ said Thome, who will continue in his duties as a special assistant to general manager Rick Hahn.

Thome, who hit 612 homers, including his 500th as a White Sox in 2007, isn’t sure how much broadcasting is in his future. He also hasn’t ruled out managing.

“I answer that the same way with, ‘You never say never,’ ’’ Thome said. “If an opportunity comes up and you feel it’s a great opportunity you know, think about it. Getting a manager’s job would be a tremendous opportunity. So I would definitely have to think about that, yes.’’

Thome worked for MLB Network as a guest in February. His first official gig is Monday on ‘‘MLB Tonight’’ alongside Sean Casey.

Left-hander David Robertson?

Right-hander David Robertson shags balls in the outfield with a left-hander’s glove and throws balls back to the infield with the same fluid motion with his left hand.

“If you didn’t know I was right-handed and saw me throwing from the outfield you’d say, ‘There’s a left-hander,’ ’’ Robertson said.

Yes you would.

Which brings to mind how entertaining it might be to see the Sox closer pitch an inning left-handed in a lopsided game to save the bullpen. Robertson said he’d be on board with it.

“I could probably throw 80 [mph],’’ he said.

Robertson said he last threw left-handed off a mound — on the side — while playing in the Cape Cod League in 2006, before the Yankees drafted him. If he got serious about it, he believes he could build up velocity and be an effective major league pitcher from the left side.

“I could probably do it,’’ he said. “If I trained hard for six weeks I could probably pitch and throw strikes.’’

On deck

The Sox have an off day Thursday before opening a 10-game road trip in Detroit Friday. Probables for the Tigers series:

Friday: Mike Pelfrey (0-1, 4.15) vs. Matthew Boyd (2-1, 3.86), 6:10, Ch. 9, 890-AM

Saturday: Derek Holland (2-2, 1.99) vs. Michael Fulmer (2-1, 2.88), 12:10, CSN, 890-AM

Sunday: Miguel González (3-0, 2.00) vs. Jordan Zimmermann (2-1, 6.35), 12:10, Ch. 9, 890-AM