BALTIMORE — White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson is going to the All-Star Game.
Anderson, the 2019 American League batting champion, was added to the AL squad on Saturday. It will be the 28-year-old’s first All-Star Game.
“To get recognized and be an All-Star, man, it’s definitely a pretty cool feeling,” Anderson said Saturday. “I’m excited about this one.”
Anderson is batting .312/.350/.429 with six home runs, 31 RBI and 14 stolen bases for the Sox (52-35), who lead the AL Central Division by 7 1⁄2 games. His addition gives the Sox four All-Stars. Pitchers Carlos Rodon, Lance Lynn and Liam Hendriks were named Sunday.
“It’s even sweeter because I came up in this organization, to grow up in front of these fans in this organization says a lot,” Anderson said. “The grind is real. I put the work in. I continue to try to get better day in and day out. And it don’t stop. I have to keep pushing to be the best I can be.”
Astros shortstop Carlos Correa was chosen as a reserve Sunday but was placed on the injured list in relation to MLB’s health and safety protocols, the Astros announced Friday, opening the door for Anderson.
After leading the major leagues with a .335 average in 2019, Anderson batted .322 last season and won his first Silver Slugger award as the top hitting shortstop. He is tied for the lead with Yoan Moncada and Yasmani Gradal among Sox position players with 2.2 wins above replacement per Baseball Reference.
Beyond that, Anderson is arguably the Sox’ most recognizable star, most popular player and in many ways, the heart and soul of the team.
“Tim Anderson has proven to be a superstar in this league,” White Sox Hall of Famer Frank Thomas said this week.
Anderson collected three hits in the Sox’ 12-1 win over the Orioles Friday night at Camden Yards, extending his hitting streak to 10 games. He is 19-for 44 during the streak, which included a four-hit game at Minnesota Wednesday, the 12th time in his career he has notched four hits in a game.
Anderson is one of 10 players added to the AL and National League rosters. Newly-named AL All-Stars also include starting pitcher Chris Bassitt of the Athletics, second baseman Whit Merrifield of the Royals and shortstop Joey Wendle of the Rays.
The appointments of Anderson and Merrifield in the AL come via the player ballot to replace the player-elected Correa and Jose Altuve.
The All-Star Game will be held in Denver at Coors Field.
