Anderson looks to make first All-Star start

CHICAGO -- White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson leads Toronto’s Bo Bichette in the final All-Star voting to name starters at each position, with less than one day left for virtual ballots to be cast.

As of Thursday morning, Anderson held a 55 percent to 45 percent advantage. Anderson is looking for his second All-Star selection and would join Luis Aparicio (1970, 1962, 1958-59), Chico Carrasquel (1951, 1953-54) and Luke Appling (1936, 1940) as the franchise’s All-Star starters at shortstop.

“It definitely says a lot about that they're paying attention to what's really going on,” Anderson told reporters Thursday of the fan voting. “Just being thought about and being voted for, I'm definitely thankful for that. I appreciate them, and I thank them for rooting and voting, for sure.”

Anderson, who was the team’s top pick in the 2013 MLB Draft, has worked to become one of the best hitters in all of baseball. Even with an 0-for-13 start to the homestand and a .167/.216/.188 slash line in his last 11 games entering Thursday, Anderson is hitting .314 with 10 stolen bases and 33 runs scored.

With four more home runs, Anderson will join Minnie Miñoso, Alexei Ramírez and Ray Durham as the only players in White Sox history to put up 100-plus homers and 100-plus stolen bases. The White Sox are 131-95 since 2020 when Anderson is in the starting lineup, 109-61 when he gets a hit, 65-25 when he has multiple hits, 84-37 when he scores a run and 26-3 when he homers.

“Definitely a blessing. We understand it's a grind. And just to see, from the time I jumped into this organization, to see where I'm at now, it's been great,” Anderson said. “I've been thankful, I've been blessed to get into this position.

“And to be leading the starting [vote], it's pretty cool. I'm pretty sure there's a lot of people that would want to be in that position, and for it to be me, I don't take anything for granted. I'll always be thankful, and I'll definitely appreciate the moment, for sure, if it does happen.”

Winners of All-Star Ballot Finals will be revealed on the 2022 Chevrolet MLB All-Star Starters Reveal show Friday night on ESPN at 6 CT. The pitchers and reserves for both squads -- totaling 23 players for each side -- will be determined via “Player Ballot” choices and selections made by the Commissioner’s Office. The complete All-Star rosters will be announced during the 2022 Chevrolet MLB All-Star Selection Show on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. CT on ESPN.

Right-handed starter Dylan Cease, closer Liam Hendriks and first baseman José Abreu are a few other prime White Sox candidates for All-Star recognition.