Without their leadoff man and spark plug, the Sox lost for the second time in two games after Anderson had carried them to a riveting victory Friday night.
Danny Mendick started at shortstop for the second straight game and had two of the Sox’ seven hits against five pitchers.
On Friday, Anderson hit a tying home run in the ninth inning, then drove in the go-ahead run with a single and scored another run in the Sox’ 7-5 win.
“Mentally he’s going to be ready, but physically you cannot push him,” La Russa said.
Reynaldo Lopez, making his last start before his expected return to the bullpen next week, allowed three runs in four innings, all after two outs.