Adding glasses gives Anderson brighter outlook
Struggling both at the plate and in the field this season, Tim Anderson launched his own vision quest in hopes of a solution.
The Chicago White Sox's shortstop started wearing glasses in Monday's game against the New York Yankees.
The move produced immediate results, as Anderson hit a 3-run homer while clearing the fences for the first time since May 30.
"I've been using them in (batting practice)," Anderson said. "Trying to get used to them and I'm going to continue to use them throughout the rest of the season."
The glasses seemed to be a little out of focus in the Sox's game against the Yankees on Tuesday night at Guaranteed Rate Field. Anderson was 0-for-4 with 3 strikeouts, dropping his average to .249.
Trailing New York 3-2 in the ninth inning, the White Sox took advantage of erratic reliever Dellin Betances and rallied for a 4-3 win on Jose Abreu's two-out, 2-run single.
"We needed this win," Abreu said through a translator. "We have been passing through a very rough path, and I'm very thankful for the opportunity and I just did what I was supposed to do."
Betances loaded the bases on a pair of walks and a hit batter to set the stage for Abreu.
"The guys worked at-bats and we were able to capitalize," manager Rick Renteria said after the Sox snapped a four-game losing streak. "It was big for us. I can gladly say we didn't fall short."
Jose Quintana had another nice start for the White Sox, allowing 2 hits over 6⅓ scoreless innings. In June, the lefty has a 1.78 ERA in 5 June starts.
"I've tried to do the same routine the last couple starts," Quintana said. "I felt pretty good. My command has been good."
Anderson has had an up-and-down season at the plate and on defense.
He batted .204 in April, .319 in May and has slipped to .223 in June. Anderson also leads all major-league shortstops with 17 errors.
Every Sox player gets an eye test in spring training, but it was Anderson's decision to get checked again.
He still looks uncomfortable wearing glasses, although Anderson should benefit from improved vision in the days ahead.
"No question about it," manager Rick Renteria said. "In baseball, the ball can travel anywhere from (James) Shields' 68 mph curveball to (Aroldis) Chapman's 100 mph fastball. It's very important to be able to see the baseball. It's obviously a split-second decision.
"It's very dangerous to be in there and not be able to see the ball. If that helps him, if that's a part of continuing to move forward, I hope that's part of what helps clear him up."