Chicago White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr. exited a game against the Kansas City Royals due to a right hip flexor injury sustained while running the bases. He hobbled after hitting a ninth-inning double, eventually reaching second base but only after mostly hopping on his left leg. Pinch-runner Braden Shewmake replaced him in the game.
Robert, 26, had a batting average of .208 with two home runs in his first six games of the season before the injury. He is a key player for the struggling White Sox, who have a record of 1-6. The extent of Robert’s injury will be determined after undergoing imaging tests.
Robert has a history of injuries, having played in more than 100 games in just one of his previous three full seasons. He missed three months in 2021 due to a right hip flexor injury. Manager Pedro Grifol stated that it’s too early to determine if Robert will require an injured list stint.
If Robert is sidelined, he will join designated hitter Eloy Jiménez on the injured list. Jiménez was placed on the IL earlier due to a left adductor strain. Kevin Pillar is likely to take over in center field, although the White Sox have other options at Triple-A Charlotte, such as Zach DeLoach and Brett Phillips.
The White Sox will continue their series against the Royals on Saturday, hoping for a positive outcome despite the challenges posed by injuries to key players like Robert and Jiménez.
