After his All-Star caliber first half was cut short due to an ankle injury, White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson hasn’t shown any signs of regression.
In fact, this is the best he’s ever felt and played in the big leagues.
Since returning July 30 from a high sprain in his right ankle — an injury that sidelined him for more than a month — Anderson has been one of the most consistent and reliable bats in Sox’ lineup. Entering Saturday’s game against the Rangers at Guaranteed Rate Field, Anderson’s .373 batting average over the last 30 days was the fourth-best mark in the majors over that span.
“I’m appreciating the consistency of the way he’s going about doing his business,” manager Rick Renteria said.
But will Anderson’s quick start to the season and late-summer surge be enough to make him a contender for this season’s American League batting title?
Renteria likes to think so.
“Because of [his] consistency and the approaches he’s taking, it will ... give him a chance to do that,” he said. “That would be a tremendous feat.”
Meanwhile, Anderson, who needs to average 3.4 plate appearances the rest of this season to qualify for the title, said he’s trying to not worry about that.
“I just try to take it a day at a time and if it happens, it happens,” he said. “I just try to stay consistent in what I do and finish the year strong.”
Before Saturday’s game, Anderson was slashing a career-best .332/.354/.499 with 13 homers and 46 RBI in 94 games.
Anderson, who entered Saturday with a 10-game hitting streak, has been proud of his improvements at the plate. But he believes he’s not even scratching the surface of his full potential.
“I’m panning out to be the player I want to be,” Anderson said. “I just have to keep continuing to work hard, stay focused. ... Now I’m locking in.”
Eloy’s back
After sitting out two games with right hip soreness, the Sox are easing left fielder Eloy Jimenez back into their lineup. He batted fifth as a designated hitter.
Renteria said he plans to be “very cautious” with Jimenez over the next few days. He doesn’t want to push him too hard in fear he’ll re-aggravate his hip.
“We’ll try to manage it and control it,” Renteria said. “There are times as players go in their career they learn how to play with certain sorenesses and things of that nature. We’re not, obviously, trying to force him to do anything.”
Abreu’s mark
First baseman Jose Abreu received a standing ovation after he recorded his 1,000 career hit with a single to right field in the first inning of Saturday’s game.
