Chicago White Sox: 3 players that could fill in for Luis Robert

Leury Garcia 

Leury Garcia is the longest-tenured player in the Chicago White Sox organization.

Leury Garcia has spent time as the White Sox center fielder before so he would be the front runner to replace Luis Robert The longest-tenured member of the White Sox got off to a painfully slow start this season. Tony La Russa kept inserting him into the lineup despite the fact that hits were few and far between. It appears that Tony La Russa’s faith in him is starting to pay off because he is heating up.

In his last seven games, he is hitting .273 with six hits and eight RBIs. One of those RBIs included a clutch single to put the White Sox ahead 3-1 in the first game of a doubleheader against the Cleveland Indians.  In Game-2 of that doubleheader, he went 2-for-4 with 3 RBI.

“I followed the team enough to know he’s an igniter,” White Sox manager Tony La Russa said after his impressive day at the plate. “He’s one of the igniters. Very conscientious, a great teammate, winning player. And if he gets hot, it gets deeper.”

The White Sox are hoping that is the case because Garcia suddenly has added pressure with Robert’s absence from the lineup. Garcia is known for his versatility on defense but the outfield is where he is at his best. With his speed, he is more than capable of filling in for Robert in centerfield. In 2019 he played 80 games in center field and led the majors with 14 outfield assist.

Garcia has traditionally been a solid hitter as well. He has hit at least .270 or higher the previous four seasons. However, as evidence by his current.200 batting average, he is no Luis Robert. If the White Sox want to make up for the lost production all eyes will be on Garcia to step up.