Anderson getting closer to return, either with Sox or Triple-A Charlotte

Tim Anderson knows time is running out on the season.

The White Sox's all-star shortstop has been sidelined since Aug. 7 with a torn tendon in his left middle finger that required surgery.

Given the lengthy absence, Anderson would typically go on a minor-league rehab assignment with Class AAA Charlotte before rejoining the Sox.

But with only 14 games left on the schedule, there's a chance Anderson comes off the injured list at some point this week and move right back into the White Sox's lineup.

"I want to make sure I'm comfortable and in a good spot to try to continue to be successful," Anderson said. "Really try not to rush things and being smart. Being patient. I definitely want to be out there. We are talking about my career and it's a hand injury, so you definitely want to be smart about that, for sure."

Anderson looked good hitting and taking ground balls during batting practice Tuesday.

"If everything continues to keep going and progressing the way it is, I'm in a good spot," he said.

Acting manager Miguel Cairo said any return is up to Anderson. The White Sox would like him to do a rehab assignment, but are fine if he takes a pass.

"It would be a challenge, but he knows how to hit," Cairo said. "It's been six weeks, we'll see what we're going to do. You can see the desire that he wants to be part of what we're doing right now. He wants to help us. That's the way I look at it.

"He's a valuable piece in our lineup and our team and I know he wants to help us and he wants to be able to play."

Cairo said Elvis Andrus is moving from short to second base when Anderson returns.

La Russa update:

Away since Aug. 30 due to a heart issue, manager Tony La Russa was at Guaranteed Rate Field last week for the Sox's two-game interleague series against the Rockies.

La Russa watched the White Sox split with Colorado from a suite, but he didn't travel with the team to Cleveland and Detroit and he's not going to be at any of this week's home games vs. the Guardians.

"We'll just see what's going to happen," acting manager Miguel Cairo said. "The doctors didn't give him the clear yet. We always talk. I talk to him every day."

With only two weeks left in the regular season, it's still uncertain if La Russa returns to the Sox this year.

"His fingerprints are all over this clubhouse, this organization," closer Liam Hendriks said. "Hopefully, we can get him back in here at some point, but Miggy's taking it and tweaking it a little bit to a couple of the guys who needed it a little tweaked. And that's something that's been fantastic. You see a little more energy out there from certain guys. Certain guys are feeling a little more comfortable as well."

Cueto update:

Johnny Cueto was scratched from Saturday's start at Detroit and he wasn't feeling well enough to pitch Sunday, either.

The veteran right-hander said he was dealing with a sinus issue but he'll be ready to start against Cleveland Thursday night.

"I feel good, much better today," Cueto said through a translator. "I felt weak and my vision wasn't right. Body ached, too."