White Sox put Tim Anderson on 10-day injured list with strained left hamstring

A day after saying Tim Anderson wouldn’t have to go on the 10-day injured list, the White Sox put their All-Star shortstop on it with a strained left hamstring. The move is retroactive to Aug. 29.

“There’s just a lingering soreness,” manager Tony La Russa said Wednesday. “Most importantly, with off days [Thursday and Monday], this gives certainty that he’s 100%, then let him work out a bit. The 10 days allow that to happen.”

The Sox leave for a trip to Kansas City this weekend and Oakland next week. Anderson could return next weekend, when the Sox host the Red Sox.

“I’d be careful guaranteeing he’ll be back in 10 days,” La Russa said. “I know that’s the expectation because he’s improved since Day 1, and he’s getting better.

“If there’s a little soreness, you just wait. Let’s get them healthy.”

Giolito watch

Right-hander Lucas Giolito did not land on the injured list after pulling his left hamstring Tuesday, but the possibility still exists. Giolito will miss at least one start, probably more.

“My understanding is the exam today showed just kind of a slight hamstring,” La Russa said.

Giolito will probably test it while in Kansas City, which could offer more clarity.

“If he tries to throw a bullpen session, we’ll see how he feels,” La Russa said. “If that doesn’t go well, he won’t pitch again in the weekend series against Boston.

The Sox entered Wednesday with a 10-game lead in the American League Central. The goal is having everyone healthy for the postseason, even if that means Giolito being out two or three weeks.

“If there’s two weeks left in the season, that’s good,’’ La Russa said. ‘‘You’ll get enough work.

“It’s not having some kind of arbitrary deadline you must get back by. This is just letting Mother Nature take its course.”

Lots of moves

The Sox reinstated outfielder Billy Hamilton from the injured list, recalled right-hander Matt Foster from Triple-A Charlotte, designated veteran infielder/outfielder Jake Lamb for assignment, selected the contract of infielder Romy Gonzalez from Charlotte and recalled infielder/outfielder Gavin Sheets from Charlotte. Rosters expanded from 26 to 28 on Wednesday.

Gonzalez, 24, hit .267/.355/.502 with 20 home runs, 11 doubles and 21 stolen bases for Double-A Birmingham, then hit .344/.382/.750 with three homers in 34 plate appearances at Charlotte. His versatility, power and speed earned him the promotion.

He might get a start in Kansas City, La Russa said.

“It’s such a blessing; it’s incredible,” Gonzalez said. “To be with such a historic organization, franchise, and these guys are in first place. I just want to do my part.”

Spot starter needed

Dallas Keuchel (Friday), Reynaldo Lopez (Saturday) and Dylan Cease (Sunday) are the probable starters against the Royals this weekend. Carlos Rodon, who started Wednesday, will be held back with six days of rest to pitch again next Wednesday in Oakland, La Russa said, which leaves Giolito’s normal turn Tuesday for a spot starter or a bullpen day.

Lopez is taking Lance Lynn’s turn. Lynn is on the 10-day injured list with a sore right knee.

Broadcast news

Bulls broadcasters Adam Amin and Stacey King will call the game Friday for NBCSCH. Jason Benetti has a scheduling conflict, and Steve Stone is off the entire six-game trip.

The last word

Reigning AL MVP Jose Abreu on outfielders Eloy Jimenez and Luis Robert: “I’m happy because I know that I have two MVPs with me. They are going to be MVPs, Luis and Eloy.”