White Sox star injured after participating in Home Run Derby

Chicago White Sox star Luis Robert Jr. had an impressive showing in Monday's Home Run Derby, but it came at a cost.

The White Sox announced on Tuesday that Robert Jr. will not play in Tuesday's All-Star game because he felt tightness in his right calf during the derby. He underwent an MRI in Seattle and is currently listed as being day-to-day.

He will be re-evaluated when he gets back to Chicago and the season resumes.

There is always a fear with players participating in the derby because of the impact it could have on their swing and how it might impact their second-half performance. But there is also an injury risk, and the White Sox found that out here. 

Sitting at the All-Star game does not necessarily mean he is going to miss any time for the White Sox when their season resumes and it could just be a precautionary decision. But the possibility still exists that he could miss some time.

Robert Jr. has been one of the few bright spots on the White Sox this season, hitting 26 home runs in the first half with a .899 OPS.

He won his first-round derby matchup on Tuesday, narrowly beating out Baltimore Orioles star Adley Rutschman by a narrow 28-27 defeat. 

Robert is four years into his career and while he has consistently been an above-average hitter in the White Sox lineup, the 2023 season has been a true breakout performance for him.