CHICAGO -- White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson was reinstated from the 10-day injured list prior to Thursday’s series finale with Cleveland at Guaranteed Rate Field. The White Sox also designated outfielder Nick Williams for assignment upon Anderson’s return.

Anderson, 27, has been on the injured list since April 7 (retroactive to April 5) with a strained left hamstring that he sustained running to first base on April 4 in a game against the Angels. He entered play 3-for-15 in four games this season, but the White Sox have their energetic and talented catalyst back at the top of the order.

“We're a better and deeper lineup with him setting the table,” White Sox manager Tony La Russa said of Anderson. “I kind of watched because I paid attention to the White Sox last year, but I wasn't as clear and specific. They told me when he came back last year, he really was the igniter. So we're really happy to get him back.”

“Just really going through all my hamstring things and figuring out how to strengthen this thing up,” said Anderson during a Zoom on Thursday. “Energy has been good. Spirit has been good. I've been having fun watching these guys, but now I'm ready to join. But overall, I feel good and I feel ready to go. I'm going to go out and have fun today.”

Williams was 0-for-10 with one walk in four games with the White Sox after his contract was purchased from the alternate training site in Schaumburg, Ill., on April 8. Danny Mendick should serve as the team’s main utility infielder, with Leury García being able to move between the infield and outfield.

Cease could pitch Friday
Dylan Cease was back with the team Thursday. The right-hander was placed on the injured list Wednesday as a precautionary measure after having tested negative for COVID-19, but also dealing with a few symptoms.

“He feels really good. I understand we're waiting for the final test. So far, negative,” La Russa said. “If we get it sometime this afternoon, then he can get on the plane and come with us.

“But as of right now, he's feeling good. Our expectation is that he will be good to go tomorrow. There is one more test left, [one more] result.”

Cease would start the series opener Friday night against the Red Sox at Fenway Park, although the White Sox have a contingency plan if he can’t make the start.

White Sox celebrate Jackie Robinson Day
In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, celebrated across baseball Thursday and Friday, the White Sox will feature exclusive content of players sharing in their own words how Robinson inspires them. In celebration of the 101st anniversary of the Negro Leagues in February, the White Sox honored the Chicago American Giants by raising a flag at Guaranteed Rate Field.

The flag will remain raised in respect to the inspiring individuals of the Negro Leagues who paved the way for African Americans in baseball, including Robinson.

“It definitely means a lot to be able to come back on this day and to be able to put that 42 on,” Anderson said. “It speaks a lot for itself.

“We know how special this day is, everybody knows. I couldn't be more happy to be back on this day, and I'm going to wear that 42 with honor and pride today.”

Third to first
• Carlos Rodón became the first pitcher in American League history to win his first two starts of a season while allowing two hits or fewer.

• Yermín Mercedes joined Joe DiMaggio (1936) and Dale Mitchell (1946) as the only players in AL history to record four three-hit efforts within their first 11 career games.

They said it: Rodón no-hit edition
“I didn't feel really anything, especially that last inning. I've worn that for a little while. I stay in Indiana in the offseason, so it's just as cold there as it is here. ... And it is mindset. Maybe they think I'm crazy.” -- Rodón, on wearing his trademark short sleeves in Wednesday’s cold

“There were a million thoughts going through my mind. I was looking through scouting reports we went through before the game for upcoming hitters coming up to bat in the next inning. Just making sure I was putting the right fingers down. That’s about it.” -- Catcher Zack Collins, on his thought process late in Wednesday’s no-hitter