DETROIT — Manager Tony La Russa felt good Sunday morning about having Tim Anderson back.
“Happiness,” La Russa said. “In all capital letters.”
Happiness for the manager, for the White Sox and for Anderson, who had three hits including the 149th and 150th doubles of his career and two runs scored in a 10-1 victory over the Tigers. Anderson, who hadn’t taken batting practice since Thursday, hit the first pitch he saw this season against lefty Tarik Skubal.
“I waited two days to swing at the first pitch,” Anderson said. “I spent two days in the hotel watching us play on television, which is pretty boring. I was ready to go as soon as I got something I could hit.”
When La Russa and Anderson crossed paths near the clubhouse after the game, La Russa yelled “Igniter!” Anderson just smiled.
“He’s the most lit up, energized player I’ve ever watched,” La Russa said.
“Every day, from the minute he walks into that locker room, he’s got life and commitment and it’s ‘Let’s go, let’s go.’ Every practice and every game.
“He’s our igniter.”
The Sox (2-1) went 1-1 while their shortstop, leadoff man and sparkplug served a two-game suspension for bumping umpire Tim Timmons late last season in a bench clearing incident at Comerica Park. Anderson is batting .346 with 26 doubles and 79 runs in 90 career games. His production is first and foremost in terms of value, but the intangibles are notable as well.
“You see his antics and his energy level and it’s infectious,” La Russa said. “And it’s all real. He’s not putting on a show and then he disappears. He wants it. He wants to win.
“I don’t think there is a better shortstop in the game.”
10-year anniversary for Harrison
Coach Jerry Narron made an extra lineup card as a keepsake for infielder Josh Harrison, who celebrated his 10-year anniversary in the majors.
“It ain’t kinda cool, it’s definitely cool,” said Harrison, in his first season with the Sox. “Words can’t really describe. To get to 10, it’s a testament to longevity and doing what you need to do. I’ve been blessed. It’s one thing to make it to the big leagues, it’s another thing to stay.”
A day after getting a double and triple in a 5-2 win, Harrison, 34, collected an RBI infield single and flashed youthful range to his left, making a play to his left to retire Austin Meadows.
Harrison, 34, began his career in 2011 with the Pirates. He has also played with the Tigers, Nationals and Athletics. An All-Star with the Pirates in 2014 and ‘17, he battled injuries in a stretch of five straight years but had his career high for plate appearances (558) last season.
This and that
The Sox scored in the first inning in their first three games for fourth time in franchise history, most recently in 2007.
*Outfield prospect Micker Adolfo cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Charlotte.
