SANTA CLARA — Jimmy Garoppolo grew up a Chicago White Sox fan in Arlington Heights, a suburb northwest of Chicago.

So what was his reaction to Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa, 76, getting introduced Thursday as the new White Sox skipper?

“I actually just saw that,” Garoppolo said after Thursday’s practice. “My brothers, we’re all in group text, so they shot that out. I’m happy about it. It’s exciting.

“I really didn’t get to keep up with them much this year, with the crazy season and everything.

“But, yeah, White Sox all day, baby.”

Garoppolo has led the 49ers (4-3) to back-to-back wins since being benched at halftime of an Oct. 11 loss to the Miami Dolphins, having struggled to play through an ankle injury that sidelined him the previous 2 1/2 games.

This Sunday in Seattle, Garoppolo will try improving to 5-0 all-time on the road as a 49er against NFC West opponents.