Tim Anderson returns to camp with new outlook on life

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Shortstop Tim Anderson returned to White Sox camp Thursday after missing four days to be with his fiance in Atlanta for the birth of a daughter, Peyton.

“Very excited, very happy,” Anderson, the Sox’ top position player prospect said. “It was a great moment. I didn’t want to come back. It was sad to leave.”

Anderson, 22, said he returned with a different outlook on life.

“Actually it just motivates me more to keep pushing myself,” Anderson said.

Jackson close to game action

Austin Jackson, signed on Sunday for one year and $5 million, saw live pitching in a simulated game against Chris Sale and others on Wednesday and said he’s “hopefully pretty close” to playing in a game. This weekend seems to be a good bet.

“Hopefully I get a couple more of those [simulated games] under my belt and see where I’m at and go from there,” he said.

Jackson has to get through the usual aches and pains of the first week or so.

“Oh yeah. Every spring training,” he said. “That’s nothing new. Once you get out there and put those spikes on and get on the grass and get moving around you go through those couple days with sore legs.”

So far, the transition to a new clubhouse has been smooth for Jackson, whose locker is next to former Tigers teammate Alex Avila.

“It’s been pretty easy,” he said. “I’ve played with some of these guys and I’ve played against some of the guys for a while so it wasn’t that hard. It’s a pretty easy transition. You have a good mix of guys with some experience and some young guys. I think I fit really well in this group.”

Split squad action

Carson Fulmer makes his second start against the Kansas City Royals in Glendale, while Jose Quintana starts against the Texas Rangers in Surprise Thursday. Robin Ventura will go to surprise, while third base coach Joe McEwing will manage the team in Glendale.

Lineups:

At Surprise: May CF, Sanchez 2B, Frazier 3B, Ishikawa 1B, A. Garcia RF, Avila C, Sands LF, Hawkins DH, Saladino SS

At Glendale: Eaton DH, Rollins SS, Lawrie 2B, Shuck RF, Davidson 3B, H. Sanchez C, Olt 1B, Coats LF, L. Garcia CF.