As a new season opens, the White Sox will have one last reminder of their past.
Tim Anderson didn’t want to leave the place he referred to as home. Not Chicago; the city and organization raised him and placed expectations of greatness on his shoulders. But he had to leave.
After four seasons of batting .300 or better. Anderson’s career hit a downturn as off-the-field drama and injuries took a toll on the talented shortstop. The nadir came in a “fight” against Cleveland slugger Jose Ramirez. After the 2023 season, the White Sox declined his $14 million club option.
Anderson found his way to the Marlins last season before being DFA’d so the team could get a look at Xavier Edwards. Once the centerpiece, Anderson became an afterthought.
This offseason, Anderson signed with the Angels on a one-year, $5 million contract. He won a roster spot out of spring training, lining up a return to Chicago on Opening Day.
“It’s going to be exciting,” Anderson said of his return game. “Just a normal Opening Day for me. This is where I started so I just happen to be on the other side this time but I’m excited. Excited to see the fans, excited to be back home. Just going to enjoy it.”
Anderson became the symbol for the White Sox dynasty that never was, but he alone isn’t to blame for that core not panning out. But because of his off the field drama and poor performance, the criticism was heaped on him.
“It takes nine to win,” Anderson said. “I was only one of them. I know I did what I had to do to try to win ballgames. I don’t pitch. I just went out and played shortstop everyday and came to the ballpark ready to play.”
Anderson, 31, said he’s matured. He’s not obsessed with greatness like he once was and wants to focus on just baseball. What’s helped Anderson, a two-time All-Star through the poor stretches at the plate and constant criticism is his motto to “keep going.” That’s also the message he had for Sox fans, who gave him a nice applause before the game.
“It gets tough,” Anderson said. “The situation [the White Sox] are in can get tough, but you’ve got to stick with them. I can’t say that my time here was all smooth, but they hung with us, and we kept fighting.”
Opening Day jitters
Manager Will Venable was awakened Thursday morning by his daughters tapping him on the shoulder, ready to start their day. He experienced butterflies as a player and anticipated he would as a manager.
“Opening Day has brought me butterflies every season I’ve been a part of,” Venable said. “So nothing new there.”
Roster moves
• The White Sox selected the contracts of right-hander Mike Clevinger, outfielder Travis Jankowski and infielder Nick Maton.
• Third baseman Bryan Ramos (right elbow strain), Josh Rojas (right toe fracture) and outfielder Mike Tauchman (right hamstring strain) were placed on the 10-day injured list.
• Left-hander Tyler Gilbert (left knee bursitis) was placed on the 15-day injured list.
• Right-hander Drew Thorpe (Tommy John surgery) was placed on the 60-day injured list.
• Left-hander Jake Eder — acquired from the Marlins in the Jake Burger trade — and outfielder Dominic Fletcher were designated for assignment.
