La Russa: TA will return from IL, start Thursday vs. Indians originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
The White Sox will get their star shortstop back Thursday.
As expected, Tony La Russa will write Tim Anderson's name in his starting lineup for Thursday afternoon's bout with the division-rival Cleveland Indians, the final game of the White Sox first home stand of the year.
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"He'll be in the starting lineup tomorrow," La Russa said Wednesday, "and we will welcome him back with open arms."
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Anderson was placed on the 10-day injured list last week after straining his hamstring while running to first base during the final game of the season-opening series against the Los Angeles Angels. While it was hoped he could avoid an IL stint altogether, it didn't work out that way. Anderson's time on the injured list was retroactive to last Monday, allowing him to return for Thursday's game if all went well.
That's what will happen, with La Russa receiving positive news from Anderson's Wednesday workout at the team's alternate training site in Schaumburg.
"I got a text from Wes (Helms, manager of the Triple-A Charlotte Knights) about his work, and it was, 'Everything was outstanding, check marked to the box.' He says he moved great, took a bunch of ground balls, threw the ball, no problems fielding, took a bunch of batting practice and then took five at-bats, ran the bases.
"He said he looks great and ready to go."
Anderson's return will be an important one for the White Sox, who have been hit or miss offensively in the early going this season. They've struggled to cash in on scoring chances and have had a few games with ugly numbers when it came to hitting with runners in scoring position.
The White Sox are obviously missing Eloy Jiménez in the middle of their lineup, but being down one Silver Slugger is better than being down two, making Anderson's return a welcome one for the South Siders.
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