ARLINGTON, Texas — Luis Robert Jr., the center fielder for the Chicago White Sox, was removed from the starting lineup shortly before the game against the Texas Rangers on Sunday due to discomfort in his right thumb.
Initially slated to bat seventh in the lineup, Robert’s absence prompted a reshuffling. First baseman Ryan Noda advanced one spot, and Michael A. Taylor stepped in to cover center field, taking the eighth position in the batting order.
Although hitting a modest .194, Robert has shown consistency during the White Sox’s road trip, collecting hits in each of the initial five games. Throughout these games, he managed seven hits from 19 at-bats, including two doubles, a homer, and four runs batted in.
In contrast, Taylor, who took Robert’s place, was carrying a .213 batting average with three home runs and 15 RBIs as he entered the game. This season, Taylor has started at least 11 games in each outfield position for the team.