The decision to replace Luis Robert Jr. during Saturday’s game was a managerial decision, according to the White Sox.
The play in question came during the bottom of the first inning as Robert Jr. was seen jogging down the line on an infield ground ball. Though it was hard to tell in real-time on the broadcast, replay angles showed Robert Jr. grimace shortly after making his initial strides toward first, leading some to believe that he suffered an injury. Displeased fans let Robert Jr. hear it with a shower of boos as he made his way back to the dugout. He would later take the field during the top half of the second before being replaced by Oscar Colas as a pinch-hitter in the bottom of the inning.
Robert Jr., 25, has been in the midst of a brutal slump that has caused many to question his plate approach and placement at the top of the lineup. In 26 games this season, he’s hitting .215/.250/.411 (23-for-107) with five home runs and 13 RBI. Shrinking it down to his last 15 contests, and that slash line is an abysmal .091/.167/.127 with just five hits. Not great at all for someone who is supposed to be one of the marquee players day in and day out.
After the game, things only got more confusing as both Grifol and Robert Jr. commented on the matter.
On the other hand, Pedro Grifol believed that Robert Jr. instead had a mental lapse and benched him to enforce the expectation that ground balls were to be run out.
Things are obviously not going well on the South Side and this only adds to the mounting list of issues. As we continue to get more information, we will provide further updates here and on social media @SoxOn35th.
Featured Photo: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Vaughn reminds me a lot of old Sherm Lollar. Hits into a lot of rally killing 1st pitch double plays. He may hit .280, with 15 HRs and 80 RBIs, but he’s not a #3 hitter. Maybe 6th.
This team is terrible, we have our regulars on the Injury reports again Anderson, Eloy, Luis and Moncada. Tim Anderson – this guy is hurt more than he plays, when he plays he is good but its when he plays. Luis Roberts what a waste of talent, hey Luis its ok not to catch every ball in the outfield thats why we have right and left fielders. Eloy Jimenez now we know why the cubs traded him he is immature and can not play on the field. Lance Lynn – dude put down the ho hos and Twinkies. Elvis obviously has left the building thats why he was a free agent. Where did we find lenyn sosa come on this guy belongs in the minors what are the sox thinking.
Yohan Moncado enough said on this gut can’t hit and gets injured going to the water cooler.
Sell the team and let some real baseball people come in and get a real team on the field,
This is total BS Luis…only thinking of yourself. Can I get my season ticket money back??? Yeh right