Manager Ozzie Guillen now knows what it’s like to study at a university.
He resolved his catching issue for one game Friday night when A.J. Pierzynski returned from the disabled list and was the designated hitter while rookie Tyler Flowers remained behind the plate. Pierzynski singled off 20-game winner Justin Verlander in his first at-bat.
Perhaps some time next week, right fielder Carlos Quentin will come off the disabled list, causing Guillen to figure out where to play rookie slugger Dayan Viciedo, Quentin, Pierzynski and Alex Rios, who didn’t start Friday.
“My lineup every day is going to be a test for me, a college test,” Guillen said. “It’s something. I wasn’t even close to getting (to college). There are a lot of guys I like to play, but there are a lot of guys I can’t play.
“It will be fun because that’s why I get paid, to make the best lineup. But I talked to a couple of guys, they have to stick with me and see how that works. Whoever hits the best is going to play.”
Friday marked the first time Pierzynski served as the DH this season, and he sported a protective pad around his left wrist after missing three weeks because of a hairline fracture.
Pierzynski also batted fourth for only the third time this season, but he’s willing to accept any role.
“I’ll do whatever they want me to do — catch. DH, pitch, play outfield, whatever,” said Pierzynski, who was 2-for-10 in three games on a minor league rehab assignment for Triple-A Charlotte. “I just want to be out there and whatever they want, I’ll do.”
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