CHICAGO –– Chicago White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr. left Wednesday’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks with left hamstring tightness.
Robert played the top of the first inning in center field, but Austin Slater pinch-hit for him in the bottom half of the first. After the game, White Sox manager Will Venable said Robert was still being evaluated. According to Venable, the injury occurred on a fly ball caught by right fielder Michael A. Taylor, who called off Robert while he ran over from center field.
“Feel like he’s in an OK spot,” Venable said postgame. “Give him the off day, see where we’re at on Friday. … I just got word from the trainer after that that he was a no-go.”
Robert has struggled at the plate throughout the 2025 season, slashing .185/.270/.313 to go along with eight home runs, 32 RBIs, 29 walks and 88 strikeouts through 285 plate appearances. But he hit a home run Tuesday night against the Diamondbacks, which he hoped would be a step in the right direction prior to Wednesday’s injury.
“It feels good,” Robert said Tuesday of the home run. “That’s what you want to do. Today, I felt like as I used to feel in the past. Those were the kind of pitches I wasn’t missing before. It was good to be able to put the bat there to hit the ball and get that result. I think that was the part I’ve been missing this season.”
Robert has long been mentioned in trade rumors, despite his career-low numbers at the plate. His strong center field defense and 22 stolen bases could warrant attention from buyers, but he’s trying to stay focused on what he can do in Chicago.
“Right now, I’m here [playing] for this team,” Robert said Tuesday. “I know they have two options. It’s a possibility. I’d like to be here. Like I’ve said before, my mind is here. I don’t try to think ahead.”
