Luis Robert Jr. was not in the Chicago White Sox lineup last Tuesday and Wednesday against the Detroit Tigers.
The center fielder spent a portion of those days in the batting cages, looking to shake the slow start that has stretched through the first two months of the season.
“It all started with the suggestion of taking that couple of days off to try to take off the stress of the game when you are not getting the results,” Robert said through an interpreter on Friday. “The other part was working throughout those days and get better.”
Robert had two hits and three RBIs in his return Friday against the Kansas City Royals at Rate Field. His two-run single in the eighth put the Sox ahead for good in the 7-2 victory. “I’m a person that I’m open to the suggestions and I just want to get better, too,” he said.
Robert went 0-for-4 on Saturday with three strikeouts and 0-for-4 Sunday with one RBI.
But the Sox are processing more than the outcome of his specific at-bats.
“Results aside, it’s about him being comfortable and confident and continuing to adjust his work habits to where he wants them to be,” manager Will Venable said before Saturday’s game.
Robert didn’t play in three games last week; he also missed Thursday against the Tigers while recovering from a ricocheted ball that hit him in the head during his workouts on Wednesday. But “I’m good,” Robert said, when asked how he’s feeling after that incident.
Robert is aiming to get into a rhythm at the plate after hitting .177 with five home runs and 24 RBIs in 58 games. General manager Chris Getz compared the approach with Robert to the path the Sox took with infielder Miguel Vargas earlier this season which paved the way for the third baseman’s rebound at the plate.
“Clear his mind, make some physical adjustments to give him confidence in the box,” Getz said before Friday’s game. “How (Robert) does (Friday) won’t dictate whether we feel like we’re on the right track or not because this game is about continual adjustments. But I know he hasn’t been happy with his production.
“We know that there’s more in there. We expect more. He’s been really strong defensively, which has allowed us to continue to throw him out there. We still feel good when he’s in the lineup. He’s still a threat. Look at what he’s doing on the base paths, creating havoc there, and he’s (tied for second in) the major leagues in stolen bases (21).
“There’s different ways to bring value to this club. And once we get the offense going, which we’re confident is going to happen, we’re going to feel even better about things.”
Robert said he hasn’t made “any big changes,” but did note that he concentrated on letting the ball get deeper on him on Friday.
“I think I was so concerned by hitting homers and pulling the ball that I kind of got out of whack,” Robert said. “Now, I’m more focused on hitting the ball to the opposite field and if I pull the ball, it’s good. But that is not my priority.”
He’s also trying not to overthink: “Just be ready for a fastball and react when I’m at home plate.”
Despite the down year, Robert has still been mentioned in trade speculation. He recently made light of the trade talk, saying, “I think right now, as my season is going, I don’t think anybody is going to take a chance on me.”
Getz didn’t agree with that assessment.
“He is wrong about that,” Getz said. “He’s not giving himself enough credit because of the value he can bring to a team and a lineup. Now with that being said, he knows he can do better at the plate. I know that statement was him focusing on his offensive game, which that’s where we’re at right now in the effort to improve that.
“We want Luis Robert to go out there and really impact the game in all facets of the game, and that’s what we’re focused on right now and I know Luis is, as well.”
The White Sox outfielder is concentrating on the day-to-day process.
“If you try to do everything in one night, one day, that’s when things get screwed,” Robert said. “The key is just to go day by day.”
