Could the White Sox be without their star center fielder for an extended period?
According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the team believes that Luis Robert Jr. could be out for months after suffering a Grade 2 hip flexor strain. This comes after the White Sox placed him on the 10-day IL ahead of Saturday’s game vs. Kansas City.
“The Chicago White Sox privately believe that prized center fielder Luis Robert Jr. could be out for months with his Grade 2 hip flexor strain, another blow to an offense already without DH Eloy Jimenez.”
via Bob Nightengale/USA Today
The injury occurred during the top of the ninth inning of Friday’s game while Robert Jr. was running to second base on a double. After rounding first, the center fielder could be seen pulling up in clear discomfort. He was helped off the field by the White Sox training staff immediately after.
Since then, the team has revealed that Robert Jr. suffered a Grade 2 hip flexor strain. Though not as bad as the complete tear of his right hip flexor in 2021, Robert Jr. seems to be frustrated and concerned by this injury’s similarity.
When talking with the media, Pedro Grifol wouldn’t commit to a set timeline for Robert Jr.’s absence, only saying that it would be longer than a 10-day IL stint. Nightengale’s report has since surfaced and revealed what many don’t want to hear, but it’s worth noting that the team has still not provided any official timeframe.
This news couldn’t come at a worse point for a team struggling to get any offensive production going. With Eloy Jimenez placed on the 10-day IL with a left adductor strain just earlier, it seems likely that the White Sox could once again search outside of the organization for reinforcements. Nightengale noted free agent Tommy Pham as being a potential target.
As part of the corresponding move for Robert Jr., the White Sox announced that Lenyn Sosa has been recalled from Triple-A Charlotte. The 24-year-old is hitting 8-for-24 (.333) with two doubles, a home run, three RBI, five walks and five runs scored with the Knights this season. He batted .201 (33-for164) with six doubles, six homers and 14 RBI in 52 games with the White Sox in 2023.
In other news, reliever John Brebbia is in a walking boot after exiting Friday night’s game. The White Sox originally said he left with right calf soreness, but have yet to provide any additional update.
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Featured Photo: Peter Aiken-USA TODAY Sports