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Just over 24 hours before opening day 2021, White Sox manager Tony La Russa has made his decision on replacing Eloy Jimenez in left field.
According to NBC Sports Chicago’s Chuck Garfien, La Russa has said Leury Garcia will fill the left-field role for opening day. He also added that Zack Collins would be the designated hitter on Thursday.
Garcia, the longest-serving member of the White Sox roster, has proven his worth as a utility man over the years with the club. Playing field positions, starting and covering all field spots as needed has become his calling card, and that won’t change this season – at least initially.
* Valid for players 21 and over in Illinois and Iowa
As for Collins, an impressive spring has his name highlighted in the outlook for the 40-player fan roster as a player capable of making significant strides this year. Rick Hahn spoke about Collins’ improvement in defense and play appeal, so both aspects of the game from the former first-round pick should be on display more often in the coming months. Until Yasmani Grandal needs a day off, the Miami graduate will take the role of DH for this powerful White Sox attack.
Garfien followed up on his initial report with Over La Russa, who informed media that Andrew Vaughn would be DH on Friday in Game 2 of the 162-game streak. Some believed that Vaughn’s field experience to supplement spring training meant there might be a chance he starts the season for the White Sox on the left. However, La Russa is turning to Garcia for now.
The White Sox open the 2021 season against the Los Angeles Angels in California on Thursday night. Lucas Giolito will receive the ball with the first pitch scheduled for 9:05 p.m. CT.
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