Elvis Andrus pleased to be taking part in ‘significant’ video games for White Sox

CLEVELAND — Going across the league with the surrendering Oakland Athletics was form of a drag, so coming to the White Sox, a disappointing workforce however one with a shot on the postseason, lightened Elvis Andrus’ outlook on the ultimate six weeks of the season.

“We had been rebuilding, it’s at all times a troublesome one, particularly for me,” stated Andrus, who performed his first recreation with the Sox towards the Guardians Friday after signing a deal for the remainder of the season. “I wish to be on this surroundings. I wish to be competing for the playoffs. On daily basis counts, significant video games. I’m actually pleased and pumped as much as be right here.”

Launched by the Athletics Wednesday, the Sox pounced on Andrus and obtained him for a prorated minimal wage for the remainder of the season. With All-Star shortstop Tim Anderson seemingly out till the final week of the season after having surgical procedure on his center finger Aug. 11, the Sox had been compelled to play rookies Romy Gonzalez and Lenyn Sosa at shortstop when Leury Garcia went on the injured record this week.

Sosa was optioned to Triple-A Charlotte to make room for a participant with two All-Star appearances, two World Sequence appearances and a profession .270/.326/.369 hitting line.

“He’s obtained loads of recreation left,” supervisor Tony La Russa stated of Andrus, who turns 34 subsequent Friday. “He performs the entire recreation, nonetheless fields nicely, can run the bases, has a knack for getting hits towards good pitchers. Performed in a pair World Sequence [one against La Russa’s Cardinals in 2011]. We’re thrilled to get him right here.”

Andrus additionally has barely higher numbers within the second half over his 14-year profession and has hit nicely towards the Guardians (.342/.409/.518 with a .927 OPS) and Twins (.281/.323/.392 with a .715 OPS), the groups the Sox have to overtake to win the delicate AL Central.

“Yeah, I adore it,” stated Andrus, who popped out in his first at-bat as a Sox however stated the ball has at all times regarded big to him at Progressive Discipline for some motive. “That was one of many issues I noticed once I signed with the workforce, ‘Ah, we’re going to play in Cleveland.’ I used to be like, ‘OK, that’s not dangerous, that’s not a foul place to begin for me.’ Similar factor with Minnesota. I at all times play actually good towards them.”

Andrus, with a few of his Athletics gear at his locker within the guests clubhouse, was relaxed chatting away with Eloy Jimenez, Jose Abreu and others earlier than the sport. He batted seventh towards the Guardians and right-hander Triston McKenzie.

“Individuals discuss concerning the participant, the winner, the character that he has,” La Russa stated. “So he’s going to suit proper into our tradition. We’re fortunate to get him. Massive debt of gratitude to the entrance workplace.”

Andrus performed with second baseman Josh Harrison in Oakland final season, so there may be familiarity in the course of the infield. And he performed behind the Sox’ Friday starter, Lance Lynn, in Texas.

“That’s the man you need on the mound each 4 or 5 days,” Andrus stated. “Unbelievable and form of humorous, my first recreation he’s going to be pitching. It’s going to make me really feel much more snug for positive.”

Maybe Andrus can assist preserve no matter spark the Sox (20-13 of their final 33 video games) have had going. On the very least, he provides sound protection and a confirmed bat and locks down a premium place in a pennant race.

“The one factor that you just respect, while you play a few years, is having the chance to play significant video games in September,” Andrus stated. “That’s what I like essentially the most about this recreation. It takes away the entire enterprise and cash facet and also you focus and do no matter you may that day to win. It’s all about profitable. Do no matter you may that day to win.”