Robert notches game-deciding hit after productive break from lineup

CHICAGO -- Luis Robert Jr. announced his return to the White Sox lineup with authority during a 7-2 victory over the Royals on Friday night before 36,916 raucous fans celebrating Mexican Heritage Night at Rate Field.

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The one-time All-Star center fielder, mired in a season-long hitting slump, was given Tuesday and Wednesday off just to reset and focus on his swing and approach. He then missed Thursday, when he was scheduled to return, when a ball ricocheted in the batting cage and hit him in the head.

Back in action and hitting seventh, Robert finished with two hits and three RBIs, including a two-run single during a five-run eighth to break a 2-2 deadlock. Robert’s first hit went to center, and his game-deciding single floated out to right, illustrating the approach he reinforced during this break.

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“I was so concerned by hitting homers and pulling the ball that I kind of got out of whack,” said Robert through interpreter Billy Russo. “Now, I’m more focused on hitting the ball to the opposite field, and if I pull the ball, it’s good. But that is not my priority. I’m trying to not think too much and just be ready for a fastball and react when I’m at home plate.”

“He's putting good swings on pitches, and that's what happens when you take good swings,” White Sox manager Will Venable said. “You don't have to crush the baseball to have results, and that was a good example tonight.”

This story of Robert has been told, retold and dissected in his sixth season of a solid career with the White Sox. He has been predominantly healthy, which is a good thing, and has played elite defense in center while picking up 21 stolen bases this season, which is a better thing.

As for that hitting? He finished Friday with a .185 average, .567 OPS, five home runs and 23 RBIs this season. Robert has been the focus of trade rumors amidst the White Sox rebuild since last November, with two $20 million club options with $2 million buyouts left on his contract after the 2025 season, but in his last meeting with the media, he honestly stated not many teams would have interest with the way he’s been playing.

White Sox general manager Chris Getz disagreed with that assessment Friday.

“He's not giving himself enough credit because of the value he can bring to a team and a lineup,” Getz said. “Now with that being said, he knows he can do better at the plate. I know that statement was him focusing on his offensive game, which that's where we're at right now in the effort to improve.

“We want Luis Robert Jr. to go out there and really impact in all facets of the game. That's what we're focused on right now, and I know Luis is, as well."

That focus for Robert produced his two-day respite. The White Sox have done the same thing successfully with Miguel Vargas and Colson Montgomery (the latter in the Minors) earlier in the year, and sent Andrew Vaughn to Triple-A Charlotte for the same sort of needed interruption.

There were no hard feelings on Robert’s part, who understood the team was looking out for his best interests.

“All they do is for me to get better. And I’ll take that. I’m open to the suggestions and I just want to get better too,” Robert said. “It all started with the suggestion of taking that couple of days off to try to take off the stress of the game when you are not getting the results. The other part was working throughout those days and get better.

“No, I didn’t make any big changes. The only thing is probably letting the ball get closer to home plate. But besides that, not much.”

When asked where the ricochet caught him, Robert pointed to just above his right eye. Upon being asked how painful the moment was, Robert smiled and said, “I’m good.”

The White Sox hope Robert is good for the rest of June and into July, following Friday’s positive return.

“We're not actively making phone calls on the behalf of any player,” Getz said. “Obviously, as you approach the Trade Deadline, that will pick up. We really are focused on him getting comfortable at the plate and showing what this organization and the fans, not only in Chicago but in baseball, [know] what he's capable of doing because he's done it in the past."

“I’m happy. Happy to be back,” Robert said. “That’s what you work for. Just to be there.”