The White Sox introduced this afternoon that they’ve positioned outfielder Luis Robert Jr. on the 10-day injured checklist with a left hamstring pressure. The transfer is retroactive to June 26. Chicago will make a corresponding roster transfer previous to Tuesday’s recreation in opposition to the Dodgers, however may have simply 25 gamers obtainable for this afternoon’s recreation in opposition to the Giants.
The truth that Robert wants an IL stint is hardly a shock provided that he’s missed every of the membership’s final three video games, however (as famous by Vinnie Duber of the Chicago Solar Occasions) the timing of the transfer is a bit uncommon. Robert was collaborating in gentle baseball actions earlier than at present’s recreation in opposition to the Giants, and he was anticipated to be evaluated additional on Monday with the intention to decide whether or not or not an IL stint could be vital. Maybe Robert’s pregame actions at present made it clear to the Sox {that a} journey to the shelf could be wanted. It’s additionally price noting that IL stints might be backdated a most of three days, so any time spent ready after at present would’ve successfully lengthened the minimal period of time that Chicago could be with out their outfielder.
The White Sox are absolutely hoping this shall be a minimal stint or near it. The chance for a Robert commerce has been a significant matter of the rumor mill for years now, and after the membership declined to commerce him at varied different factors all through their rebuild for concern of promoting low on their mercurial and oft-injured star, his worth might now be at its lowest level ever. Robert has hit simply .185/.270/.313 throughout 73 video games this 12 months. Whereas he’s swiped 23 bases and is strolling at a career-high 10.2% clip, he’s putting out greater than 30% of the time and has the worst energy numbers of his profession. Even his once-elite middle area protection isn’t holding up fairly in addition to it has in earlier years. Whereas his +3 Outs Above Common is actually a stable quantity, it’s a far cry from the +13 OAA Robert posted again in 2023.
Between Robert’s declining offense and excessive wage, it might be troublesome for the White Sox to search out takers on the outfielder this summer season. Maybe that’s why the Sox are reportedly prepared to incorporate money alongside Robert with the intention to facilitate getting a deal achieved. Robert is due round $7.5MM for the rest of this season, but when the White Sox have been prepared to pay a major quantity of that down it may be simpler for them to work out a commerce. In any case, Robert’s offensive potential continues to be immense even amid his current stretch of accidents and ineffectiveness, and even when he doesn’t attain that ceiling including a plus defensive middle fielder with velocity to the lineup might be invaluable for a group just like the Guardians or Braves that has struggled to search out manufacturing in middle area this 12 months. Robert can also be nonetheless hitting a strong .268/.406/.464 in opposition to left-handed pitching this 12 months, so maybe a group just like the Rangers or Giants that struggles in opposition to southpaws may have curiosity in bringing him into the fold as effectively.
All of this, after all, will hinge on Robert returning in comparatively brief order with sufficient time to show himself moderately wholesome and efficient earlier than the commerce deadline. Even delicate hamstring strains can usually required not less than a few weeks of restoration, and if Robert isn’t able to go by the point the White Sox come again from the All-Star break that might go away the membership in a little bit of a bind as they attempt to get what they’ll for the previous All-Star. Within the meantime, they’ll proceed turning to Michael A. Taylor to cowl middle area whereas Robert recovers.
