There was a notable absence in the Chicago White Sox lineup on Wednesday and Thursday. Team spark plug, emotional leader, and perennial batting title-contender Tim Anderson has missed the last two games and Chicago has split those games. They were shut out by the Cardinals and defeated the hapless Orioles.
Anderson’s absence was notable as it came after a rare off day for the shortstop Wednesday. With one of the most consistent players on the White Sox missing consecutive games, people started asking questions.
White Sox injury updates:
Tony La Russa is optimistic Michael Kopech's hamstring ailment isn't serious, while Tim Anderson (thumb soreness/general soreness) and Adam Eaton (hamstring) are out of the lineup tonight https://t.co/rapuuflzoh pic.twitter.com/EQmujVTwJs
— 670 The Score (@670TheScore) May 27, 2021
Manager Tony La Russa attributed Anderson’s absence to the typical toll a baseball season takes on a player’s body.
“He’s got a couple of sore spots, so we’re going to get him un-sore. Should be temporary,” La Russa said. “Just general soreness, the way I see it.”
The White Sox later relayed a message from Anderson, who described a bit of thumb soreness in addition to the general soreness and said he expects to return to the lineup Friday. Anderson isn’t a big guy, but he plays with a lion’s heart and he sacrifices his body to enhance the potency of his team on both sides of the ball. Let’s hope he gets the rest he needs to be back on the attack real soon.
With the White Sox leading by just one game in the AL Central, the franchise needs their MVP back in the fold soon. They can withstand a few games with TA, but any extended absence will be damaging to their current standing.