It was opening day for Tim Anderson — and a moment of closure.
Anderson made his debut with the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday, playing against his former team, the Chicago White Sox. This was his first regular-season game against the White Sox since leaving the team after the 2023 season.
The 31-year-old went 0 for 4 with three strikeouts in the Angels’ 8-1 loss. The crowd cheered when he was introduced before the game, and again when he stepped up to bat in the first inning.
The White Sox honored Anderson with a highlight video before the second inning, and the fans cheered again. Anderson responded by making a heart shape with his hands to show his appreciation.
“It’s always going to be a huge part of me. This is where it all started,” Anderson said. “That chapter is just all love. There’s a lot of love for me. I enjoyed my time here for sure.”
Yoán Moncada, who also played for the White Sox for eight seasons, was back with the Angels. He was booed by the crowd of 31,403 when he came in as a pinch hitter in the eighth inning.
Anderson joined the Angels’ active roster on Tuesday after infielder Zach Neto (shoulder surgery) was placed on the 10-day injured list, and right-hander Sam Bachman (thoracic outlet syndrome) was added to the 15-day IL.
Anderson made his MLB debut with Chicago in 2016 and quickly became one of the league’s brightest stars. He hit .335 with 18 home runs and 56 RBIs in 2019, leading the White Sox to the playoffs in 2020 and 2021. However, the team struggled to live up to its potential.
Dealing with a sprained left knee and right shoulder soreness, Anderson batted .245 with one home run and 25 RBIs in 123 games in 2023. He was also suspended after a fight with Cleveland’s José Ramírez.
Los Angeles Angels (MLB)After Chicago finished with a 61-101 record in his final season, the White Sox declined Anderson’s $14 million option.
“The way it ended, it was bad. Who wanted to leave home?” Anderson said. “But how will we know what’s out there if we never leave home? So just going out and trying to find better opportunities and continue to chase greatness. I think I’m in the right spot. Right where my feet are for sure.”
Anderson signed a $5 million, one-year deal with Miami in February 2024, but he hit only .214 in 65 games before being released.
After sitting out the rest of the 2024 season, he signed a minor league contract with the Angels in January. Anderson said the break was beneficial for him.
“I was able to spend some time with my family and get things back on track to where I needed to be,” Anderson said before the loss. “Right now I’m in a great head space. I’m aware what’s going on. I know who’s for me, I know who’s against me. Just being aware. Just very thankful to be able to do my work and get to where I need to be.”
Once known for his bat-flipping and swagger, Anderson said he’s now a different person than when he was with the White Sox.
“I’m a little bit more mature. The slogan was let the kids play. I’m kind of mature like that now,” he said. “So I just want to play and enjoy the game and just stay out of the way, stay out of the way as much as I can.”
