Anderson 'all in' to play for Team USA in World Baseball Classic

Tim Anderson was taking groundballs before Friday night's game against the Diamondbacks and he's getting close to taking batting practice.

The All-Star shortstop is on track to return in mid-September, and the White Sox are going to need him if they hope to catch Cleveland in the AL Central.

"Everything's going forward," manager Tony La Russa said. "He's doing all the stuff to keep himself in shape and pretty soon he'll start swinging and doing other things. Every report is he's working really well. It's all positive."

Anderson has been out since tearing a ligament in his left middle finger during an Aug. 6 game at Texas.

Earlier Friday, Anderson announced he's "all in" to play for Team USA in the 2023 World Baseball Classic that runs March 8-21. He'll be teammates with Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, Mookie Betts, Paul Goldschmidt and other standout players.

"Very pleased," La Russa said of Anderson joining Team USA. "He'll put on a show because he rises to the occasion. For all of us that get to see him, let the world see him, see how special he is."

Robert update:

After missing a week with a sprained left wrist, Luis Robert returned to the Sox's lineup at Cleveland last Saturday and played in five straight games.

The center fielder took some awkward at-bats in Thursday's loss at Baltimore and didn't start against Arizona Friday.

Robert can pinch-hit and pinch-run, so he's not going on the injured list. With two more games with the Diamondbacks and an off day Monday, the White Sox are hoping Robert's back Tuesday night vs. the Royals.

"If he keeps getting sore, it's not going to get better," manager Tony La Russa said. "We're going to give him a few days. Be careful with it and try to get him well."

Injury report:

After exiting Thursday's game against the Orioles with left hamstring tightness, Yoan Moncada didn't play for the Sox Friday.

Manager Tony La Russa didn't rule out the third baseman returning Saturday or Sunday.

"I think it's possible he'll be OK for tomorrow but if it's barking a little bit, how's he going to get better?" La Russa said. "I feel like we have a great chance to give him his rest and not push him. If he comes back feeling great, 100 percent tomorrow, play him."

Catcher Yasmani Grandal (knee) and infielder Leury Garcia (back) both began rehab assignments with Class AAA Charlotte Friday night.