Watch: White Sox's Luis Robert Jr. hits pitch out of the ballpark vs. Yankees
Chicago White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr. has flashed plenty of power this year, but on Wednesday, he hit a pitch against the New York Yankees that left Guaranteed Rate Field.
Facing Yankees hurler Luis Severino in the bottom of the third inning, Robert was way ahead of a 3-1 changeup, pulling it foul, up and out of the stadium, which drew a collective gasp from the crowd.
Robert would eventually single in the at-bat before stealing second and third. However, he wouldn't take the field for the White Sox in the fourth, leaving the game with a sprained pinky finger on his right hand. Per the White Sox, X-rays came back negative and Robert is considered day-to-day.
The 26-year-old is having a breakout year and is on pace to become only the second White Sox player to have 30 home runs, 30 doubles and 20 stolen bases, joining Magglio Ordonez. Now at 16 stolen bases, Robert has even loftier goals.
"I would like to steal 20, but actually, the real goal, the real number is 30," Robert said via Scott Merkin of MLB.com. "We'll see if I'm able to do it."
Aside from his penchant for thievery on the base paths, Robert is having a breakout season at the plate. Entering play Wednesday, he had already surpassed his career bests in home runs (31), RBI (65), walks (23), hits (115) and extra-base hits (31).
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