Chicago White Sox News: Luis Robert Jr. named to first American League All-Star Team

By J.Y. Mortimer

Luis Robert Jr.

CHICAGO – Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr. has been selected as a reserve for the American League at the 2023 All-Star Game to be played on July 11 at T-Mobile Park in Seattle.

Robert Jr., 25, entered today’s game at Oakland batting .276/.333/.574 (86-312) with 21 doubles, 24 home runs, 46 RBI and 59 runs scored over 82 games this season, his fourth with the White Sox. He ranked among the AL leaders in home runs (2nd), extra-base hits (2nd), slugging percentage (2nd), total bases (3rd), OPS (3rd, .907), runs scored (4th), defensive runs saved (4th, 9) and games played (T6th).

Robert Jr. is the first Sox center fielder (primary position) to make the All-Star Team since Chet Lemon in 1978-79.

Some notable information regarding Robert Jr.’s season to date:

  • Entered today’s game on pace for 46 home runs, 88 RBI, 113 runs scored, 86 extra-base hits and 341 total bases … his 46 homers would rank second in White Sox history behind Albert Belle (49 in 1998), his 113 runs scored would be the most since Magglio Ordóñez (116) in 2002, his 86 extra-base hits would tie Ordóñez (2002) for third in Sox history, and his 341 total bases would rank fifth;
  • His 24 home runs are the most by a Sox player in the first half since Todd Frazier (25) in 2016, his 59 runs scored are the most since Alejandro De Aza (59) in 2012, his .574 slugging percentage and 45 extra-base hits are the most since Abreu (.630 SLG and 50 XBH) in 2014, and his 179 total bases are the most since Abreu (180) in 2019;
  • Is hitting .309/.373/.662 (63-204) with 15 doubles, 19 homers, 33 RBI and 45 runs scored in 54 games since May 1;
  • Ranked second in MLB with 11 homers in June, the most by a Sox player in a single month since José Abreu hit 11 in August 2020;
  • Was named AL Player of the Week for the period of June 19-25 (first career weekly honor) after hitting .444/.524/1.111 (8-18) with four home runs, five RBI and six runs scored in six games;
  • Is one of five players in Sox history (eight times) to record 20-plus doubles and homers before the break, joining Frank Thomas (1993-94, 2003), Abreu (2014, ’19), Jermaine Dye (2008) and Ordóñez (2000);
  • Is hitting .358/.434/.716 (24-67) with six doubles, six home runs and a AL-best 1.151 OPS vs. left-handed pitchers.

COURTESY WHITE SOX MEDIA RELATIONS & MLBpressbox.com

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