CHICAGO – The Chicago White Sox announced a last-minute change to their lineup ahead of the Crosstown Series finale against the Chicago Cubs on Sunday at 1:10 p.m. CT at Rate Field. Luis Robert Jr. returned to the roster as designated hitter, taking the No. 7 batting spot after missing two games due to adductor soreness, replacing Austin Slater who was initially slated to start at DH in the No. 9 spot.

Manager Will Venable Explains the Strategic Decision

White Sox manager Will Venable provided insight into the reasoning behind Robert’s return and adjusted role. Venable noted that while Robert felt improved, the team decided against putting him back in center field due to caution over his condition.

The initial evaluation, [Robert] came in feeling better but still not in a spot where he could get out there in center field,

Venable said.

We wanted to keep him plugged in and give him the opportunity to run around more, and he did. We talked about it, and he really talked his way into the lineup after that. We agreed that maybe center field wasn’t the best thing for him, but that we could utilize his bat and that he was good to go to DH. We ended up making the change.

Updated White Sox Lineup for the Crosstown Series Finale

The revised batting order for the White Sox reflects their effort to balance roster health with offensive production:

1. Mike Tauchman, RF

2. Chase Meidroth, SS

3. Andrew Benintendi, LF

4. Miguel Vargas, 1B

5. Edgar Quero, C

6. Colson Montgomery, 3B

7. Luis Robert Jr., DH

8. Lenyn Sosa, 2B

9. Brooks Baldwin, CF

Managing Robert Jr.’s Return Amid Injury Concerns

While Robert Jr.’s presence in the lineup is a welcomed boost, Venable emphasized a careful approach to his participation given the recent soreness that sidelined him. The manager acknowledged the player’s competitive nature while highlighting that his workload will be managed carefully.

He’s going to go out there and compete and play the right way, and if he’s not able to do that, we wouldn’t have him out there,

Venable explained.

At the same time, I’m probably not going to ask him to steal third base. That’s fair. But he’s going to be out on a major league field and running around, not to the degree we’re used to, but he’ll be out there.

It’s taking all the information and making sure we’re doing the right thing to balance pushing him to be out there and supporting him to be out there but also not putting him in harm’s way. You take input from the player, you take input from the medical staff, and all together, we make a sound decision.

Robert’s Recent Performance and Season Progress

Before going on the injured list, Robert was on a nine-game hitting streak, his longest this season, which began in the last series before the All-Star break against Cleveland. During that span, he recorded 12 hits in 32 at-bats (.375), including a double, two home runs, nine runs batted in, four stolen bases, and five walks, while striking out six times. These contributions helped raise his batting average to .206—the highest since early in the season—and improved his OPS to .636, the best since May 8. Remarkably, in his last 37 at-bats, Robert posted a .983 OPS.

Trade Speculation Surrounding Robert As Deadline Approaches

With the MLB trade deadline looming on Thursday, Robert’s name has surfaced in various trade discussions. The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reported a growing expectation that Robert could be moved, highlighting the Philadelphia Phillies and San Diego Padres as possible interested teams. Additionally, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale mentioned that the White Sox have expressed interest in acquiring New York Mets third baseman Mark Vientos as part of any potential trade package involving Robert.

Additional Context Around White Sox and Crosstown Series

The White Sox face familiar rivalry storylines as they prepare for Sunday’s series finale. Pitcher Sean Burke and Cubs third baseman Matt Shaw, former University of Maryland teammates, anticipate competing against each other. Chase Meidroth recently joined the exclusive group of players with multiple leadoff home runs in the Crosstown Series’ history. Meanwhile, All-Star rookie pitcher Shane Smith remains on the injured list but participated in a live batting practice session amid recovery from an ankle sprain. Off the field, Miguel Vargas and Michael Busch, who played together in the Dodgers’ minor league system, renew their friendship while opposing each other in this weekend’s series.

Outlook for Robert Jr. and the White Sox Moving Forward

Robert’s reintroduction to the lineup showcases the White Sox’s intent to blend competitive ambitions with cautious injury management. His ability to contribute offensively as DH without undue risk in center field reflects a tailored approach to his rehabilitation. With trade rumors swirling, Robert’s performance and availability remain critical factors for the White Sox as they navigate the stretch run and trade deadline strategy. How the team balances his health and value could influence both their on-field results and roster decisions in the coming weeks.