White Sox’ A.J. Pierzynski would prefer to skip the rehab

• Reprints

Updated: November 4, 2011 12:23PM

SEATTLE — A.J. Pierzynski can do without making his first minor-league rehab appearance, but he’ll go along with the program and head to Class AAA Charlotte on Monday.

‘‘If it was up to me, I wish they would just activate me [Sunday],’’ said Pierzynski, who’s recovering from a hairline fracture in his left wrist. ‘‘But it’s not my decision, and I’ll just do what I’m told.’’

If the Sox wait until Sept.  1, when rosters can be expanded anyway, they don’t waste a roster move. Besides, a tune-up probably won’t hurt Pierzynski, who’s enjoying a good offensive year with a .296 average.

‘‘I mean, the bottom line is I’m going to go up there and swing at whatever they throw up there, and if I hit it, I hit it,’’ Pierzynski said. ‘‘If I don’t, I don’t. It’s not going to change. Will it help me to go? I don’t know. I’ve never done it.

‘‘In my mind, I’m ready to go [Sunday]. Physically, I feel great, and I’m ready to go, but that’s not the plan.’’

Closer of the future

It took manager Ozzie Guillen a long time and lots of converted saves from Sergio Santos for him to utter the words, ‘‘Santos is my closer.’’ But Guillen on Saturday already endorsed Santos for 2012.

‘‘From spring training on, he’ll be the guy, no matter what,’’ Guillen said. ‘‘That’s the way he should be working.’’

Santos has learned to enjoy the benefits of closing that go with the high stress.

‘‘That role has its good and bad,’’ Santos said. ‘‘The good is you know when you are going to throw. And for the most part, you usually get a clean inning when you get in. As a setup guy, you come in with runners on first and third. When you do know your role, it’s easier.’’

Santos went into the game against the Seattle Mariners late Saturday night with 26 saves. He had 25 straight scoreless appearances on the road.

In the Sox’ 4-2 win Friday night, he watched left-hander Chris Sale finish up for his fifth save because the Mariners were loaded with lefties in the ninth. Santos was warmed up and would have faced Miguel Olivo had Sale not struck out cleanup hitter Mike Carp to end the game. Sale is expected to be a starter next season.

Notes

Alex Rios was removed fro m the lineup before the opening pitch Saturday with a bruised right hand. X-rays were negative, and he is day-to-day. He was hurt Friday diving back to third base but stayed in the game. Alejandro De Aza moved from right field to center; Brent Lillibridge played right.

◆ Carlos Quentin was officially placed on the 15-day disabled list Saturday, retroactive to Aug. 21. He would be eligible to return Sept. 6, when the Sox are in Minnesota.

◆ Leadoff man Juan Pierre’s .340 average since June 26 is the fifth-highest in the American League.