White Sox’ season opener rained out

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Dennis Spal (from right to left), his son Randy Spal, Paul Stirn and Zak Stirn, all of Downers Grove, try to stay dry while tailgating in the rain outside Guaranteed Rate Field before the Chicago White Sox opening day game against the Detroit Tigers, Monday, April 3, 2017. | Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

The White Sox’ season opener with the Tigers on Monday at Guaranteed Rate Field was rained out and rescheduled for Tuesday at 1:10 p.m.

The game, which was scheduled for 3:10 p.m. with Jose Quintana opposing the Tigers’ Justin Verlander, was called off at 4:51. All tickets for the game, used or not used, are good for admission Tuesday, which was an open date. The Sox announced parking will be free for fans.

Rain had been forecast for much of the day, but the Sox still tried to get it in despite precipitation that began around noon. During a break from the wet stuff, both teams went through opening ceremonies, with Sox players entering the field in Mustang convertibles and introduced individually. Tigers players were also introduced, REO Speedwagon band members played the national anthem and 2005 World Series hero Scott Podsednik threw out the first pitch.

After that, however, the players ducked into their clubhouses and did not return. More rain followed, dooming the opener for another day.

“We waited as long as we could, but we feel like we didn’t have a large enough window,’’ manager Rick Renteria said.

The Sox announced — “in consideration for how the postponement might disrupt the schedules of fans” — that fans holding tickets for the opener can also exchange unused tickets for a free lower box or outfield reserve ticket for any home game excluding May 29-31 vs. the Red Sox, June 24 vs. the A’s, June 26-29 vs. the Yankees, July 18-19 vs. the Dodgers and July 26-27 vs. the Cubs, based on availability.

Rodon to likely miss all of April

General manager Rick Hahn indicated left-hander Carlos Rodon could miss another five or six weeks as he works his way back from upper-biceps bursitis.

Rodon, who is in Arizona, is on a throwing program and will be re-evaluated April 10. He made one start during spring training and would be starting from ground zero again. Hahn said Rodon is “feeling good.”

“If there’s the least bit of discomfort or any stuff like that, we’re going to take a step back and start this thing over,’’ Hahn said. “As I told Carlos directly, there’s zero reason for us to rush through this.”

“Surreal feeling” for Covey

Dylan Covey, being groomed as a fill-in in the rotation, stayed in Arizona Sunday and threw about 75 pitches as he builds up endurance. Because of the rainout Monday, the Sox will need a fifth starter.

Covey, a Rule 5 pick from the A’s, was originally scheduled to throw in Arizona Monday, but making his first Opening Day roster was so “surreal,” he asked if he could be in Chicago so he threw Sunday instead.

“It’s my first one, and they understood and made adjustments to the schedule to get me here,’’ he said. “I appreciate that.’’

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