Robert's great grabs, rookies' hot bats back shutout of Twins

CHICAGO -- There wasn’t any true offensive outburst from White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr. during an 8-0 victory over the Twins Sunday afternoon, claiming a South Siders series victory from Minnesota at Rate Field.

The veteran did significant damage primarily with his glove. Robert made a diving catch on a Trevor Larnach line drive to save a potential run and end the third, and made two other outstanding grabs to support Yoendrys Gómez and three White Sox relievers.

A great deal of talk has centered upon Robert since midway through last season, but it had much more to do with his trade potential as opposed to his on-field accomplishments. Robert stayed with the only team he’s ever known through the last Trade Deadline, with the White Sox holding a $20 million option on him for 2026 with a $2 million buyout, but Robert staying for ‘25 was a move the Twins hitters regretted more than anyone on Sunday.

“I’m just enjoying the moment,” said Robert through interpreter Billy Russo. “I don’t know for how long I’m going to be here. What matters is today. Today I’m enjoying the moment, and enjoying being with these guys.”

“It seemed like he was on a mission to not let anything fall,” said White Sox manager Will Venable of Robert. “We’ve seen him make good plays. To see three or four that he made today, in some big spots, was awesome.”

Robert followed up that third-inning effort with an equally spectacular diving catch against Austin Martin in the fifth, sprawling out into left-center to make the grab and once again cut short a Twins rally. In the ninth, Robert took extra bases from Eduoard Julien with a running catch, seeming somewhat pedestrian compared to the other two.

Even when Robert was struggling at the plate over the last year and a half, his high level of athleticism allowed him to contribute defensively and on the basepaths. His offense has picked back up recently, with five home runs, 18 RBIs and 24 runs scored over 29 games after the All-Star break.

“I’ve been feeling good this whole season,” Robert said. “It’s very important to me to finish this season strong, being able to carry that out for next season here or wherever God puts me. It’s important for us to finish strong and being able to carry that momentum for the next season.”

“He's an unbelievable athlete and plays the game really hard,” said designated hitter Kyle Teel of Robert. “I think that is contagious and it translates to all of us.”

Teel had three hits, two RBIs and two runs scored among Sunday’s 12-hit attack for the White Sox. They scored three in the first inning and four in the second, with their damage done against Taj Bradley, making his Minnesota debut on the mound. The right-hander’s last big league start came on July 23 for the Rays, against the White Sox, when he allowed four runs on four hits and three walks in 1 2/3 innings.

Those three first-inning runs on Sunday came via five singles, with Teel and Edgar Quero picking up the RBIs. The four-run second was capped off by Colson Montgomery’s two-run homer to right, covering 423 feet with an exit velocity of 112.5 mph, according to Statcast.

Montgomery has homered in three straight games, meaning all three in this series, and has 13 home runs and 34 RBIs over 32 games since the All-Star break. Only Shea Langeliers (16), Kyle Schwarber (15) and Junior Caminero (14) have more homers than Montgomery during that time.

“Yeah, when he clicks a ball, it goes over the fence,” said Venable of Montgomery. “When he’s getting the meat of the bat to the ball, it’s going out of the ballpark. That’s been great, he’s in a good spot. Just got to keep it going.”

White Sox hitters are slashing .319/.376/.479 with nine home runs and 45 runs scored in their last six games, picking up their 14th series win of the 2025 season and their seventh shutout. All seven of the RBIs were recorded by rookies -- Quero with three, Teel and Montgomery with two apiece -- while it was a familiar face in Robert doing the job with the glove.

“I think it’s a combination of everything,” said Venable of Robert’s defense. “Obviously when the ball’s in the air, his athleticism gives him a chance to cover a lot of ground.”

“You always have to work,” Robert said. “There’s always stuff to work on. I think in the past I’ve been a little passive with my jumps with the balls that are ahead of me. That’s the thing I’ve been working on the most.”