CHICAGO -- Tim Anderson enjoyed and appreciated everything about his first All-Star experience earlier this week at Coors Field in Denver.

The only aspect missing for the White Sox shortstop -- selected by the players as a replacement for the Astros' Carlos Correa -- was an at-bat. But the always upbeat Anderson doesn’t look at that situation as a snub, as much as a future goal.

“No, that didn’t bother me,” said Anderson prior to Friday’s second-half opener at home against the Astros. “That’s not going to be my last one, I hope. Hopefully I’ll be able to start one soon, that will give me a little motivation. Being there definitely makes you want to get back.”

“It doesn't take much to whet his appetite,” said White Sox manager Tony La Russa of Anderson. “[American League manager] Kevin Cash, we got in touch, and he really regretted Timmy [not getting an at-bat]. I was hoping he would get an at-bat.”

Anderson had the chance for a one-on-one conversation with Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr., among numerous exciting All-Star moments, including walking the purple carpet with his wife, Bria, and two young daughters.

“Just to be face to face and get a handshake and words of encouragement,” Anderson said. “I’m going to keep that to myself. I don’t want to share that, give everybody that.”

Live with Liam Hendriks

The phrase “Liam is wearing a microphone” represented interesting words uttered by FOX play-by-play announcer Joe Buck during the ninth inning of Tuesday’s All-Star Game, when Liam Hendriks came in to seal the victory. The colorful and infinitely entertaining White Sox closer did not disappoint with his pitching commentary.

“I’ve had some messages from some friends. I had fun with it,” Hendriks said. “As I said, I didn’t know they could hear because I couldn’t hear them. It turns out the volume never was turned up. I don’t know if it was me and I needed to remember to do that or if it wasn’t done from the get-go.

“They could hear every grunt and expression and breathless breath that I was trying to get. I struggled with altitude sickness, so that was a good time. Other than that, I had a blast.”

Hendriks would not be interested in that same mic’d up situation for a game that matters.

“This day and age, with the All-Star Game, there’s nothing riding on it, so guys can show their personality. More guys can have some fun with it,” Hendriks said. “I wouldn’t want to do it [in a meaningful game], especially in my position just because it will end up being a distraction and I don’t want that to negatively affect the way I’m throwing on a mound.

“I didn’t feel anything physically. But I can only imagine someone chirping in your ear isn’t exactly the ideal way to get locked in and focused.”

Rodón’s planned absence

White Sox fans might have been a bit disappointed to not see Carlos Rodón pitch for the AL squad in the All-Star Game. But his non-activity was planned.

“It wasn’t as if they snubbed him. It was completely pre-planned,” Hendriks said. “That was his decision. I personally always want to play, but that’s just me.”

“He understood,” La Russa said. “Got to go there and be introduced and be an All-Star. And now he knows how important it is to try to get to October.”

Rodón, who has a 7-3 record with a 2.31 ERA and is one of the leading candidates for AL Cy Young Award, starts Sunday for the White Sox.

“We took long enough to put it together,” said La Russa of the rotation. “It's just recognizing [Dylan] Cease is coming back on his fifth day. We took him out without getting those extra pitches.

“[Lucas Giolito] got some extra rest. Carlos did not pitch [in the All-Star Game], so he's got it. [Lance] Lynn did pitch, so he gets the extra day. And I figured of all the guys, Dallas [Keuchel], the veteran, could use the extra time and not lose an edge.”

They said it

“There are a lot of people that have supported me over the last couple years and just seeing them continuing to support me has been awesome. I love the fan base here. They have been so into it and it’s great to have a fan base like that behind you.” -- third baseman Jake Burger, who will make his home debut this weekend

“I met her at a hospital in Fort Myers, Fla. I was wearing jean shorts, a deep V-neck and doing wheelies in a wheelchair and she wanted absolutely no part of it.” -- Hendriks, who was celebrating Friday the 11-year-anniversary of first meeting his wife, Kristi