The Chicago White Sox lost their Silver Slugger to the 10-day injured list on Friday. To replace Eloy Jiménez, the club selected the contract of Robbie Grossman. However, it didn’t get better for Chicago as center fielder Luis Robert Jr. was removed from the game in the ninth inning due to an injury to his right hip flexor. Right-hander John Brebbia was also removed from the game due to a right calf strain. Both injuries do come back with some backstories as the White Sox do not have a lot of luck these days. They have just one win so far this season and, in typical fashion, the injured list is starting to fill up.
Luis Robert Leaves the Game with an Injury
The State of Robert Right Now
Brebbia has dealt with a calf strain since spring training and only made two appearances at camp. On the other hand, Robert’s situation is similar as a right hip flexor strain cost him three months of the 2021 season. It’s too early to tell if he’s going to have to spend time on the injured list or not. There will be some decisions in the coming day or two. From what it looked like, he was in quite a bit of distress so the injury might be a bit serious. Or, he could just rest up for a day or two, be back in the lineup and be just fine.
Lenyn Sosa will likely join the White Sox from Triple-A Charlotte and Oscar Colas was pulled from Charlotte’s game last night. If Colas and Sosa are added to the roster, then the White Sox will have one day with only 12 pitchers on the roster.
Beyond the Potential Loses
Let’s hope it is the latter and Robert misses the rest of the weekend series. But, if the White Sox lose him for some time, it’s going to hurt a bit. A 1-6 record and between the injuries looks like another long year for Chicago. Robert has been one of the few bright spots of last year, hitting .264/.315/.542 with 38 home runs and 20 steals. So far this season, he has six hits, four RBI and two home runs with one stolen base.
Robert got fans excited the other day when he cranked out two home runs in one game. But he hasn’t had a strong showing since. Still, it’s early in the season and sometimes it takes players a bit to get going.
The Future for Robert and Center Field
The severity of the injury is yet to be known. Although a lengthy IL ssint could push Chicago’s plans at the trade deadline and beyond. Robert has a contract containing club options for 2026 and 2027, making him one of the most cost-effective talents in the game. Brebbia is a more clear-cut trade candidate as he only signed a one-year, $5.5 million deal. Trading Robert could be the best way for general manager Chris Getz to refill the prospect cupboards with talent. It’s tough to see the White Sox lose their best hitter and player. Fans will only hope that his absence from the lineup is temporary. The White Sox need Robert. in the lineup because he’s a big-time hitter and someone that can change the course of the game with one swing of his bat.
Chicago will certainly miss him if he’s out for an extended time.
Main Photo: © Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
