Back with White Sox, Elvis Andrus prepares for new position
For the first time in Elvis Andrus' 14-year MLB career, he is not playing shortstop. Agreeing to a deal with the Chicago White Sox on Feb. 20, Andrus is penciled in as the starter at second base for the 2023 season.
Spending your whole career on one side of the field and then shifting to the other is going to be a challenge, but the two-time All-Star is up for the challenge.
After his first game action on Monday against the Seattle Mariners, Andrus revealed to MLB.com's Scott Merkin how it felt.
"I'm not 100% comfortable at second yet. But it was a pretty good first game. I wish I could have had a few more ground balls...But I feel good about the first game."
Making a nice diving play going to his left and applying the tag at second to record an out being his only two fielding opportunities, Andrus made the most of his chances.
"I need a few more games at second, but I feel good. I have been working really hard with Eddie Rodriguez, our infield coach."
After being released by the Oakland Athletics in August of the 2022 season, Andrus was signed by the White Sox to fill in for injured shortstop Tim Anderson. He had a super successful time in Chicago, appearing in 43 games he hit .271 with nine home runs and 28 RBIs.
With hopes of replicating the success he had in his first stint with the White Sox, the 34-year-old looks to extend his career in the majors for a few more seasons with added positional flexibility.
With a triple and a walk in his two plate appearances versus the Mariners, Andrus showed that the bat will still play while the defense gets up to speed.
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