TORONTO — Fan favorite A.J. Pierzynski, the catcher on the White Sox’ 2005 World Series winners, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the home opener Thursday against the Tigers.
Pierzynski, a two-time All-Star who ranks third in home runs among Sox catchers, is tied for the major-league record with 13 consecutive seasons with at least 100 games caught (Bill Dickey, Johnny Bench, Brad Ausmus). He’s also sixth all time in innings caught.
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Country-music artist Brandon Lay will sing the national anthem.
Pierzynski, a broadcaster with Fox and a Sox ambassador, is expected to serve as an analyst alongside Ken Harrelson on a Sox broadcast this season.
Leury in left
Utility man Leury Garcia, a switch hitter, started in left field, with left-handed hitting Nicky Delmonico sitting out against Jays left-hander Jaime Garcia. The Sox face another lefty, J.A. Happ, on Tuesday, and manager Rick Renteria wanted to get Garcia at least one start.
Garcia, 27, who played all three outfield positions and both middle-infield spots last season, made only four errors while enjoying his best offensive season.
“That’s my role, to play everywhere,’’ Garcia said. “I would like to play one position and play every day and start, but it is what it is right now. The only job is to play everywhere as a utility, and that’s what I’ll do.’’
With infielder Tyler Saladino on the bench, Garcia expects to get most of his playing time in the outfield. He likely will give Adam Engel days off in center, too.
“But I still work a lot in the infield just in case,’’ he said.
Rather than use two or three gloves for outfield and infield play, as many utility players do, Garcia uses one larger (third-base-sized) glove at every position.
Hector, don’t lose that number
Even though veteran Welington Castillo wore No. 53 when he broke into the majors with the Cubs, the Sox’ new catcher said he had no problem giving it to Hector Santiago, who probably has more invested in the number — including a “53” tattoo on his back.
Castillo, who signed a two-year, $15 million deal in the offseason, was issued No. 53 before spring training. Santiago, a non-roster invitee who’s on his second tour with the Sox, was given 21. They switched numbers for the regular season at Santiago’s request.
Castillo didn’t ask for anything in return, but Santiago is buying him two suits.
“I had six years of 53, and most of the stuff on my website [santiago53.com], shirts I’ve had, emblems and stuff we’ve done for charity, it all has 53 on it,’’ Santiago said. “It was very good of him.”
Setting the bar
Renteria knows expectations for his young team aren’t high outside the clubhouse. But his are different.
“We set very high expectations,’’ Renteria said. “We don’t care what age they are.
“I don’t want them to pay attention to anything anybody says other than what they say they are to each other. I don’t sell my guys short. We set a high bar.’’
