The Chicago White Sox faced another setback on Friday as their Silver Slugger, Eloy Jiménez, was placed on the 10-day injured list. In response, the team called up Robbie Grossman to fill the void. Unfortunately, their troubles continued when center fielder Luis Robert Jr. exited the game in the ninth inning due to a right hip flexor injury.
Additionally, right-hander John Brebbia was forced out of the game due to a right calf strain. These injuries add to the White Sox’s woes as they struggle with just one win this season, leading to a growing list of players on the injured list.
The situation with Luis Robert’s injury is reminiscent of his past struggles with a right hip flexor strain that sidelined him for three months in 2021. It remains uncertain whether he will require a stint on the injured list this time.
While John Brebbia has been dealing with a calf strain since spring training and has limited appearances, Robert’s injury appears to be more distressing. However, the severity of his injury will become clearer in the coming days.
In response to the injuries, Lenyn Sosa is expected to be called up from Triple-A Charlotte, while Oscar Colas was removed from Charlotte’s game, indicating a potential roster addition. This move could leave the White Sox with a reduced number of pitchers on the roster for a day.
Hoping for the best-case scenario, it would be preferable if Robert’s injury turns out to be minor and he only misses the remainder of the weekend series. However, if the White Sox are without him for an extended period, it will undoubtedly be a significant blow. With a 1-6 record and mounting injuries, it looks like Chicago could be in for another challenging season.
Robert emerged as a bright spot last year, showcasing his talent with impressive numbers, including a .264 batting average, .315 on-base percentage, and .542 slugging percentage, along with 38 home runs and 20 stolen bases.
Although his performance this season has been somewhat inconsistent, with two home runs in one game but fewer standout performances since, it’s important to remember that it’s still early in the season, and players often take time to find their rhythm.
The extent of Robert’s injury remains uncertain, but a prolonged stint on the injured list could impact Chicago’s plans, both in the short term and at the trade deadline.
With club options for 2026 and 2027, Robert represents a valuable and cost-effective asset for the team. On the other hand, Brebbia, with his one-year, $5.5 million deal, could become a trade candidate.
Losing Robert would undoubtedly be a tough blow for the White Sox and their fans, as he is not only their best hitter but also a game-changer capable of making significant impacts.
Fans can only hope that his absence from the lineup is temporary, as the team greatly relies on his contributions to succeed. If he is sidelined for an extended period, his absence will be keenly felt by the team.
