Levine: White Sox Rookie Tim Anderson Makes MLB Debut As Veteran Jimmy Rollins Exits

By Bruce Levine--

CHICAGO (CBS) -- The new kid has appeared on the scene to replace the old veteran.

White Sox rookie Tim Anderson will replace veteran Jimmy Rollins at shortstop, after Rollins was designated for assignment. The top-rated position player in the organization's farm system, Anderson will go in as the everyday starter for the struggling White Sox.

Rollins, a 37-year-old former MVP, appeared to have little left in the tank. He was hitting .221 with two home runs and eight RBIs. Rollins was making $2 million for the 2016 season.

Anderson was put right into the lineup on Friday evening, batting ninth.

"Among our scouting and minor league people, the consensus was that Timmy was ready to contribute at the big-league level," White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said. "He is not here to be some kind of savior. He is hopefully here to continue his successful run that he has been on. He hopefully can do that and get some experience at the big-league level."

The White Sox drafted Anderson with their first pick in the 2013 amateur draft at 17th overall.

"We do feel he has the ability to be a special player," Hahn said. "This is still a young player and still a player who is developing. He is here to play. That is part of what I explained to Jimmy Rollins last night."

Anderson -- who doubled in his first big league at-bat and then scored -- was keeping the transition as simple as possible. Having had a full spring training with the major league team should help with the adjustment from Triple-A.

"You know what they do and how they go about their business," Anderson said. "That makes it easy to have a good relationship with them. All of that should make it a lot easier."

Anderson and Rollins spent time together in spring training getting to know each other. Rollins was generous with his knowledge and experience sharing.

"This is great moment, and Jimmy reached out with a text message and wished me well," Anderson said. "I really thank him for that. He is going to be with me at every step."

The numbers were jumping off the board for Anderson as of late. He was hitting .337 with 31 runs scored over his last 37 games since May 1.

"The hitting tool is there," a National League scout who has the minor league White Sox coverage said. "He will hit to all fields and run the bases. I am not sure that shortstop is ideal for him. He has made some nice adjustments on defense and sets up to throw better than he did last season."

Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.