While professional sports organizations are all about the opportunity for their players to participate in All-Star events and get recognized, there’s always the fear that an injury could happen in what’s an exhibition format.
That happened to a superstar player of the Chicago White Sox on Monday night.
White Sox center fielder Luis Robert “felt tightness in his right calf” during the first round of the Home Run Derby at T-Mobile Park.
The team announced the news on Twitter, adding that Robert “underwent an MRI in Seattle” and is listed as day-to-day, with a re-evaluation coming before the second half of the season begins on Friday. It should go without saying that he will not play in Tuesday’s All-Star Game.
During the first round of Monday’s Home Run Derby, Luis Robert felt tightness in his right calf. He underwent an MRI in Seattle and is listed as day-to-day. Robert will not play in tonight’s All-Star Game as a precaution and will be evaluated again before the season re-starts…
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) July 11, 2023
Robert put on a show in the Home Run Derby and has been tremendous for the White Sox this season, putting together a .271/.330/.569 slash line with 26 homers in 375 plate appearances. The 25-year-old has been valued at 3.7 wins above replacement this season by FanGraphs.
The 6 longest homers of the #HRDerby belong to Luis Robert Jr. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/EHU656DvSD
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) July 11, 2023
The White Sox have been one of baseball’s most disappointing teams this season, taking a 38-54 record into the second half of the season. And Robert is easily their best player. So, any chance of turning it around this season absolutely includes Robert being a huge factor again in the second half.
The fast-paced Home Run Derby format can be exhausting for hitters as they try to get as many home run swings in as they can before the clock runs out. An injury like this is exactly the fear MLB teams have with their players participating, so this news may only provide more caution in the future.
[Chicago White Sox on Twitter]
