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White Sox Make Luis Robert Jr. Decision During Diamondbacks Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jake Elman | Last updated Jun 25, 2025 4:25 PM ET

Those turning into Wednesday's Arizona Diamondbacks-Chicago White Sox game likely immediately noticed Luis Robert Jr.'s absence.

No, Robert hasn't been traded yet. Instead, the White Sox removed their All-Star center fielder with left hamstring tightness. Veteran backup Austin Slater entered the game and took over in right field, with right fielder Michael A. Taylor switching over to center.

The White Sox had not provided an injury update as of publication.

It's been a trying season for Robert, who entered Wednesday hitting .185 with eight home runs, 32 RBI, and an ugly .584 OPS. Although Robert has stolen 22 bases in 28 tries, he's also carrying a 30.9 strikeout percentage with him.

The White Sox are widely expected to trade Robert ahead of the July 31 deadline. He's in the final guaranteed season of a six-year, $50 million contract; the White Sox, or whoever holds his contract, hold team options for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.

Chicago is 25-55 and well on pace to exceed last year's 41 victories. We'll see if the White Sox can avoid a third straight 100-loss season, though they have a long way to go—and such a quest would be far more difficult without Robert in the lineup.

This story will be updated.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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