Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr. is expected to return by mid-May, according to general manager Chris Getz. Robert has been sidelined since April 6 due to a right hip flexor strain and has been on the 15-day injured list. Although he became eligible for activation earlier this week, his return to the lineup is still a few weeks away.
In Robert’s absence, the White Sox have brought up Rafael Ortega and Tommy Pham to cover center field. The team also made roster adjustments, designating Kevin Pillar for assignment and sending Dominic Fletcher to Triple-A Charlotte.
Robert’s career has been marred by injuries since his MLB debut in 2020. He had a promising start, winning a Gold Glove and finishing second in the AL Rookie of the Year voting. During the COVID-shortened season, he played in 56 of 60 games. However, injuries have limited his appearances in subsequent seasons. In 2021, he played just 68 games, and in 2022, he logged 98 appearances. Despite these setbacks, Robert managed to play 145 games in 2023, winning a Silver Slugger Award, although he ended the season with a mild left MCL sprain.
By the time he returns in mid-May, Robert will have played in less than 60% of Chicago’s games since 2021. Before his latest injury, he was batting .214 with two home runs, four RBIs, a .741 OPS, and a -0.1 WAR this season. Over his career, Robert has a .278 batting average, 76 home runs, 214 RBIs, 47 stolen bases, an .825 OPS, and a 12.4 WAR.
Robert signed a six-year, $50 million contract with the White Sox in January 2020.