3 reasons White Sox will be a dangerous out if they make the playoffs

Reason 3: Getting healthy

After suffering a hand injury in early August and being forced to the injured list, All-Star shortstop Tim Anderson could potentially be back with the White Sox next week. Chicago’s recent hot streak has come with Elvis Andrus filling in for Anderson, and the White Sox will need to find a way to have the two shortstops coexist on the same team as Andrus has been praised for the veteran leadership he has brought to the squad.

At the time of his injury, Anderson was slashing .301/.339/.395, joining Jiménez, Abreu, and Andrus as the only White Sox players with a batting average above .300. There is no question Anderson has been missed at the plate and, while Andrus has filled in more than capably at shortstop, the return of Anderson’s athleticism in the field will be a plus as well.

Anderson has batted in the leadoff role in each of his games this season, while Andrus has settled into that role since his arrival with the team after signing on as a free agent on August 19. However, Andrus has experience this season hitting in the two-hole as well. Could he slide into the two spot, giving the White Sox four .300 hitters at the top of the order?

Getting an All-Star back for the stretch run could be just what the White Sox to help make their dreams of another postseason berth a reality, as well as strengthen their lineup for any October matchups.