As the old adage goes: age is just a number. Elvis Andrus has been the living embodiment of that.
The 34-year-old shortstop has turned back the clock since joining the Chicago White Sox on August 19. His play on the field has got White Sox fans buzzing on social media.
"Ruth, Williams, The Kid, Trout, Mantle, Bonds, Elvis Andrus" - Dave Williams of BarstoolWSD
The numbers show that Andrus has ranked among the top shortstops in the MLB this past month.
Since August 19th, Andrus is 2nd in WPA (win probability added), tied for 2nd in home runs, 3rd in fWAR (wins above replacement), 4th in wRC+ (weighted runs created plus), and 4th in wOBA (weighted on base average).
He has posted a .305 batting average, .890 OPS, six homers and 21 RBI in 25 games for the White Sox.
He has been an asset on offense, a reliable presence on defense, and a veteran voice in the clubhouse. He's been a vital piece for a team that is looking to make a late-season surge in the AL Central.
Can Elvis Andrus help lead the White Sox to the playoffs?
While Andrus has been performing above expectations since joining the White Sox, the team has only managed a 13-12 record during that span. They are within distance of a postseason berth, but will have to go on a heater to make it happen.
The White Sox sit three games behind the Cleveland Guardians in the AL Central and 6.5 games back of the Tampa Bay Rays for the final wild card spot.
They currently have 18 games remaining on their schedule. Out of those 18 games, 15 of them will be within the Central Division. They have a big three-game against the Guardians from September 20-22. Anything short of a sweep will be a huge blow to their postseason chances.
The battle for the division crown could go down to the wire. If Andrus can maintain this level of production, the White Sox could find themselves in the postseason for the second time in three years.
"The AL Central Race with about 4 weeks left in the season. 1. Cleveland Guardians: 76-66, 2. Chicago White Sox: 74-70, 3. Minnesota Twins: 72-70, 4. Kanas City Royals: 57-87, 5. Detroit Tigers: 54-89. Chicago is three games back of Cleveland, Minnesota is four." - Woodward Tigers
The White Sox are sending veteran right-hander Lucas Giolito to the mound tonight against the Detroit Tigers. First pitch gets underway at 7:10 Eastern Time.