Center fielder Luis Robert Jr., a key player for the Chicago White Sox, has been ruled out from the game against Texas due to discomfort in his thumb.
In Arlington, Texas, the Chicago White Sox's Luis Robert Jr. was a no-show on Sunday due to a nagging right thumb issue. The star outfielder, set to bat seventh in the lineup against the Texas Rangers, was replaced by Ryan Noda, who moved up one spot, and Michael A. Taylor, who entered the fray in the eighth position.
Thumb Soreness Puts Robert on the Sidelines
Robert, whose batting average lingers at a low .194, had put together an impressive stretch during the White Sox's road trip, amassing at least one hit in each of the first five games. He has notched seven hits, two doubles, a homer, and driven in four runs. Despite this recent surge, Robert's injury has left the team scrambling for solutions.
Michael Taylor, a versatile outfielder, stepped in to fill Robert's shoes, bringing his .213 batting average, three homers, and 15 RBIs to the game. Taylor, who has started at all three outfield positions for the White Sox throughout this season, offers a valuable replacement, albeit not one boasting the same offensive prowess as Robert.
Injury Setbacks Persist for Robert
The thumb injury marks the latest hiccup for Robert following a setback suffered earlier in the week. While practicing in the batting cage, a ball ricocheted off the wall, striking Robert in the head. Though he was checked for signs of a concussion and ultimately cleared—Will Venable, the White Sox manager, maintaining that Robert would be fine and back in action soon—the team opted to keep him out as a precautionary measure.
Despite the absence of a true in-form Robert, it is essential to remember his notable contributions to the team. Besides his defensive skills, the speedster possesses an American League-leading 21 stolen bases, showcasing his impact on the basepaths. However, at the plate, his struggles persist, as indicated by his subpar slash line of .177/.266/.286, paltry home run count of five, and limited RBI total of 20.
The White Sox Stroll on Without Robert
With the injury and ongoing trade rumors surrounding Robert, the team faces an uphill battle to maintain offensive fluidity. His absence undoubtedly complicates their plans, as they aim to stay in contention for postseason glory. As the White Sox wait for their catalyst to return, the team trusts capable replacements like Michael Taylor to hold down the fort.
From AP News: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
Note: Luis Robert Jr.'s ongoing injury issues emerged from an unusually high number of setbacks this season, challenging his availability and forced the team to adopt various lineup adjustments.
See also: "Robert's Thumb Injury: A Setback on a Rocky Road Back to Form" by Anderson Hart, Chicago Tribune, June 14, 2025.
- Michael Taylor, filling in for Luis Robert Jr., demonstrates his versatility with a .213 batting average and 15 RBIs, stepping up to help the White Sox despite the ongoing trade rumors. (Chicago White Sox, 'Arlington, Texas', 'baseball', 'Michael Taylor', 'mlb')
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- Despite the setbacks suffered this season, including the recent thumb injury that sidelined Luis Robert Jr., the White Sox continue their pursuit of postseason glory amidst lineup adjustments and ongoing trade rumors. (Chicago White Sox, 'Toronto', 'news', 'sports', 'Luis Robert Jr.')
