GLENDALE, Ariz. — Luis Robert Jr. is getting into the rhythm of the regular season.
Thursday, that meant playing all nine innings against the Kansas City Royals in Surprise, Ariz.
The Chicago White Sox center fielder had two hits — a single to center in the first inning and another to left in the third.
“My body feels good,” Robert said Friday through an interpreter. “I think we’re ready.”
Robert displayed several layers of his talent in 2023 while earning All-Star honors for the first time. He ranked among the top five in the American League in many categories, including third in home runs (38) and slugging percentage (.542) and fifth in OPS (.857) on the way to gaining Silver Slugger Award recognition.
“Last year I put all my focus on staying healthy and playing as many games as I could,” Robert said.
Robert posted career highs in games played (145), doubles (36), homers, RBIs (80) and stolen bases (20). What’s in store for 2024? Manager Pedro Grifol said Robert’s attention to detail has been “remarkable.”
“He’s using cards in the outfield for positioning, he’s working on his leads, his breaks,” Grifol said. “Just the little stuff that’s going to take his game to another level. He’s bought into being detailed and technically sound.
“I’m excited about that because, you are looking at a guy with that type of talent that’s now going to be detailed? That’s special or the makings of something really really special. I’m excited about that. That’s a really good thing.”
Robert has nine hits in 46 at-bats (.196) with two home runs and three RBIs in 16 games. Both homers came March 12 against the Cincinnati Reds at Goodyear Ballpark, one of which cleared the center-field batter’s eye.
Robert put the numbers in perspective.
“What you want is to feel good here, ready for the season, that’s what we’re focused on,” he said.
Robert’s focus is also on helping the team improve after the 101-loss 2023.
“I’m just here to help this team win games,” Robert said. “As you guys know, I’m not the kind of person that likes to speak much, but when I’m on the field, I want to let everybody know that I’m there to win.
“If everybody is doing what we’re supposed to do and we’re healthy we’re going to win more games than people are expecting. And that has to be our mindset, our goal.”
Injury updates on Eloy Jiménez and Braden Shewmake
Designated hitter Eloy Jiménez returned to the lineup Friday for the Cactus League game against the Oakland Athletics. Jiménez missed Thursday’s game against the Kansas City Royals in Surprise, Ariz., because of a bruised right foot. He fouled a pitch off his foot in Wednesday’s game against the Reds at Camelback Ranch.
Meanwhile, infielder Braden Shewmake continues to make progress from a left lateral ankle sprain.
Shewmake suffered the injury March 16 against the Seattle Mariners in Peoria, Ariz. The original estimated recovery time was two to four weeks. He has been active, taking part in drills — including running bases — before Friday’s game.
“He’s been really impressive, to say the least,” Grifol said. “His demeanor, his character. Just that drive to be a part of this and to win baseball games. His sole focus is this team and what he can do to help us. He’s played third base for the first time in his career in a professional game other than a backfield game. We practiced him today at first base a little bit. And it’s been like, ‘What do you think about this?’ ‘I’m in.’
“When you have that type of attitude and with those types of tools and the ability to steal bases and play anywhere on the field and be that electric like he’s capable of being, what’s there not to like?”
Sox make 2 roster moves
The Sox on Friday signed outfielder Robbie Grossman to a minor-league deal with an invite to major-league camp.
Grossman has a career .244/.346/.379 slash line with 90 home runs and 415 RBIs in 1,126 games in 11 seasons with the Houston Astros (2013-15), Minnesota Twins (2016-18), Athletics (2019-20), Detroit Tigers (2021-22), Atlanta Braves (2022) and Texas Rangers (2023).
The left-handed-hitting Grossman, 34, had 10 home runs and 49 RBIs in 115 games for the Rangers in 2023.
Also Friday, the Sox optioned reliever Prelander Berroa to Triple-A Charlotte. The right-hander, slowed by a shoulder issue, has a 13.50 ERA and seven strikeouts in five Cactus League games.
With the moves, Sox have 45 players remaining in camp: 24 pitchers, three catchers, eight infielders and 10 outfielders.
