Tony La Russa: White Sox SS Tim Anderson headed to injured list with groin strain

Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson left Sunday's game against the Chicago Cubs with a right groin strain and will require a stint on the injured list.

The severity of the injury wasn't immediately clear, but manager Tony La Russa told reporters after the game that Anderson "is going to the IL for sure."

Anderson sustained the injury while fielding a grounder up the middle in the second inning. He backed up into centerfield to make the throw to first base, then fell down on the grass. He appeared to be in significant pain and several White Sox employees had to help him off the field. At the time it wasn't clear what kind of injury Anderson had, as he didn't want to put much weight on his right leg when he was being helped off the field.

Anderson will be reevaluated Monday, and until then White Sox fans (as well as the team itself) will be holding their collective breath. The team has endured multiple injuries during the season and can't afford to lose Anderson for significant time. They're already without outfielders Luis Robert, who is on the COVID IL, and Eloy Jimenez, who is recovering from knee surgery.

Danny Mendick, who replaced Anderson after he left the game, and Leury Garcia are the likely candidates to get time at shortstop with Anderson out, but you can't really replace a player like Anderson.

Coming into Sunday he was batting .354/.392/.503 in 39 games, and was eight-for-eight in steals.