A HR, a SB and an amazing diving catch: Robert puts on a show

PITTSBURGH -- Luis Robert Jr. ran. Luis Robert Jr. hit and Luis Robert Jr. played defense.

All of his work contributed to a 10-1 drubbing for the White Sox (33-65) over the Pirates on Friday night at PNC Park, starting their post All-Star break work in style.

Anything Robert does is of note because he’s the top talent on this roster, but he’s drawing even greater attention currently with the Trade Deadline arriving two weeks from yesterday. Robert has been talked about in trade rumors and various machinations of deals since this time last season, but with a $20 million club option for each of the 2026 and ‘27 seasons both with $2 million buyouts, Robert figures to be moved by the South Siders.

The defense and baserunning have been there all season. The question is whether Robert can build more value with the bat in a short period of time. After reaching base with two hits, two walks, two RBIs and scoring three runs, as Robert was preparing to talk to the media, a smiling Josh Rojas walked by and asked, “Luis, are you back?”

“That’s Louie right there, that’s how we envision him on a daily basis,” said White Sox manager Will Venable of Robert. “We understand the impact that he can have, how dynamic he is.”

“It was a good step forward,” said Robert through interpreter Billy Russo. “Today, the pitcher made a couple of mistakes, and like I’ve been telling you guys before, you want to capitalize on that. You want to do damage on the pitcher’s mistakes. I was able to do that again today. We’ll see how I come back tomorrow, but I still have to keep working hard.”

In this series opener, Robert hit his 10th home run of the season and the 98th of his career with a first-pitch blast covering 413 feet in the fourth. He is tied with Tim Anderson for 23rd on the franchise’s all-time home run list.

Robert also stole a base, giving him 23 for the season and 92 for his career. The capper on the highlight reel, though, was a diving catch in left-center field, taking away possible extra bases from Isiah Kiner-Falefa opening the third.

“After he made the catch, I was like, ‘88, you’re my favorite player,’” said White Sox starter Jonathan Cannon, who allowed one run in seven innings. “I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, that may be the best catch we’ve had all year.’ I always say he’s the best center fielder I’ve had play behind me, and that rang true again today.”

One All-Star regret
Right-hander Shane Smith, who will next pitch at the Rays, worked one-third of an inning for the American League in the eighth during his All-Star debut Tuesday in Atlanta. He had the chance to pick the brains of other All-Stars from around baseball and around the AL Central. He was able to share this glorious moment with his family, from the red carpet to watching him in action.

There was only one regret from this dream come true for the top pick in the 2024 Rule 5 Draft. Smith hit Arizona’s Eugenio Suárez in the hand with a 2-1 four-seam fastball at 96.3 mph, marking the second time he’s hit Suárez this year. Smith didn’t have a chance to talk to Suárez, but was quite contrite Friday.

“I felt terrible about it. Same spot, too. Hands are tricky,” Smith said. “I tried to say I’m sorry to him. I talked to Logan Webb a little bit about it, I saw him later. He was like, ‘It’s going to be all right. He probably doesn’t like you too much.’

“Trust me, that’s the last thing I wanted to do, especially hit somebody, especially in the All-Star Game. And he’s having a great year. And I’ve heard only good things about him. If I could ever get a chance to talk to him, I would apologize. If there’s anything I could get him that he doesn’t already have, I’d get it for him.

“Hopefully he doesn’t hate me too much,” Smith added. “But he probably does, and I understand if he does.”

Smith was removed after James Wood’s ensuing groundout by Joe Torre, the Hall of Fame manager who was given this assignment by AL manager Aaron Boone. It was just another moment for Smith to remember.

“You know, could be the last guy he takes out of a game, but hopefully it’s not,” Smith said. “He talked to us before the game and told us how special the All-Star Game is. He’s been to [a lot], so for him to take me out was sweet.”