August 17th, 2023
CHICAGO – White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson reached a settlement with Major League Baseball as announced on Thursday regarding the discipline issued on Aug. 7 for his involvement in an on-field altercation with the Guardians. He will now serve a five-game suspension that will begin on Friday when the White Sox play a three-game series at Colorado.
Anderson has yet to speak to the media on the matter, choosing to talk after his suspension. He would be eligible to return on Aug. 23 for a day game at home against the Mariners.
But Anderson issued the following statement of apology on a story through his personal Instagram account on Thursday night.
“I want to apologize to the entire White Sox organization, my teammates, manager and coaches and to the fans for my part in the altercation which took place in Cleveland. This has been an incredibly disappointing season for me personally and for our team. I will not get into the things that were said to me by Cleveland players both Friday night and Saturday, but those comments do not excuse my language or conduct, and I take full responsibility for my emotions getting the better of me.
“The Cleveland players are free to say whatever they want, but I will just say that no one has more respect for the game of baseball than me. I look forward to returning after serving my suspension and finishing the season playing the best baseball I can to help my team.”
The original suspension stemmed from his involvement in an on-field fight with Cleveland’s José Ramírez at second base during a game on Aug. 5 at Progressive Field.
Anderson has played during the appeal process, going 2-for-17 with two RBIs in the interim. Although he has been one of the top hitters in the game and an engaging and captivating presence since winning the American League batting title in 2019, Anderson has struggled mightily this season. The 30-year-old has a .238/.285/.284 slash line with only one home run despite having 98 for his career.
The White Sox hold a $14 million option for Anderson for 2024, with a $1 million buyout. Elvis Andrus figures to move to shortstop with Zach Remillard at second during Anderson’s five-game absence.
