SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- White Sox manager Tony La Russa had a good feeling about Lance Lynn’s scheduled start Thursday against the Giants even before he struck out three over two hitless innings.

“I think he's going to be sharp, if only because of the way [pitching coach] Ethan [Katz] and [assistant pitching coach] Curt [Hasler] set up Spring Training,” said La Russa prior to his team’s 3-1 loss in seven innings. “He threw three batting practices, and he had sidelines in between those.

“He's a real pro. He takes his bullpens, he concentrates, he gets his work done. He's out there working. He's making pitches, and catchers are putting signs down. It'll be a surprise -- now I saw the lineup they've got against him; it'll be a challenge -- but I'll be surprised if he doesn't pitch well for two innings.”

Lynn fanned Tommy La Stella, Buster Posey and Steven Duggar, issuing a first-inning walk to Mike Yastrzemski. The veteran right-hander actually wanted to go back out for a third inning in his White Sox Cactus League debut.

“For me, just get out there, get back accustomed to being in a game,” Lynn said. “It was fun, everything went well, threw all the pitches I needed to throw and on to the next one just to keep building up pitch count.

“Pitch count-wise, last live BP, I was more than I was today, so I was looking forward to going back out. But they've got a plan and we're in a good spot and everything physically feels good. Looking forward to the next one.”

Meaningful reunion
La Russa had a chance to talk with Albert Pujols prior to Monday’s game in Tempe against the Angels. Pujols greeted his manager with the Cardinals from 2001-11 with a bear hug, lifting La Russa off the ground.

“Family,” said La Russa of Pujols. “The nice thing about him, he is such an example in that way ever since he established himself. He communicates. He shares what he has, and it’s all first-class stuff.

“I told him, physically, I thought he looked outstanding. He’s in great shape, his bat is quick. It was an honor to watch him put together those historic seasons.

“And he’s a true winning player,” La Russa said. “He plays defense to win, he runs bases to win, he’ll take an at-bat, try to get on base if he’s leading off an inning. He cheers for his teammates when he’s 0-for-4, which is not what a lot of guys do. They take it so personally, they get depressed, they’ll be in the dugout. That’s why I always called him ‘AP Pujols,’ Albert Perfect Pujols.”

White Sox left fielder Eloy Jiménez and center fielder Luis Robert had a chance to talk with Pujols, as well. La Russa wanted Yermin Mercedes to meet Pujols, but Mercedes was catching that day’s game.

“We talked about it, the conversation, how you can learn from different people,” La Russa said. “Eloy said he’d known him a little bit, maybe when he was on first base, when he got to first and Albert was playing defense. I know how ready, willing Albert is to share what he has with the other team, except when the game is on, he has no mercy. That’s the way it’s supposed to be.”

Third to first
• Dallas Keuchel is scheduled to make his first 2021 Cactus League start Monday against the Dodgers.

• Closer Liam Hendriks threw a live BP on Thursday. Hendriks has not yet pitched for the White Sox in a Cactus League game.

They said it
“If there's one thing it is, it's think, and handle the pitching. That's the No. 1. The great thinkers can really bring the best out of a pitcher, makes it tougher to hit.” -- La Russa, on whether he’s looking for a catch-and-throw priority over a big bat for his backup catcher

“I've always been a thrower. To be honest with you, I'm just a big person, so it comes easy.” -- Lynn, on being a durable starter