Luis Robert Jr. had just one base hit on Tuesday night at Guaranteed Rate Field: a two-out single in the eighth inning to center fielder Aaron Judge, which brought Corey Julks home for the White Sox’s only run in their 4-1 defeat to the Yankees. Despite struggling with a 2-for-38 slump and 17 strikeouts so far in August, this small success offers a glimmer of hope for a potential turnaround.
“Yeah, sometimes that can be the case,” Robert said through interpreter Billy Russo. “A single or something similar can help restore your confidence. But I still need to keep working and find my rhythm.”
“That’s significant for him,” White Sox interim manager Grady Sizemore noted. “Sometimes all it takes is one good swing to get back into your groove, relieve some pressure, and help you breathe easier. Ending the night like that should hopefully help him carry that momentum into tomorrow and build on those swings.”
Robert has the potential to be one of the top players in the league. He possesses power and batting average, plus speed on the bases, and Gold Glove-level defense with a strong arm in center field. This season, glimpses of his talent have shown through, including 17 stolen bases in 18 attempts and 12 home runs.
Robert is one of the hardest workers in the clubhouse, and when that effort combined with his skills results in a .199/.262/.394 slash line and 99 strikeouts in 246 at-bats, it understandably leads to frustration and a drop in confidence.
“It’s frustrating—so frustrating that you sometimes think about quitting. But of course, you won’t. You just have to keep working,” Robert said. “That’s a clear sign of a player struggling.
“Sometimes, even when you’re doing everything right and putting in the work, you just can’t seem to put it all together during the game. That’s when your confidence starts to waver.”
The White Sox’s confidence has understandably suffered during the 2024 season, with their recent record falling to 2-25 in the last 27 games, 5-31 over the past 36, and 29-92 overall. Their maximum possible win total is now 70, and with Cleveland securing its 71st win against the Cubs, the White Sox have been officially eliminated from contention for the American League Central title.
Leave a Reply