White Sox Set for Offensive Boost as Luis Robert Jr. Begins Rehab Assignment

The Chicago White Sox, currently struggling with the worst offense in MLB, are about to receive a much-needed boost. Star center fielder Luis Robert Jr. will join the Triple-A Charlotte Knights on Tuesday to begin a rehab assignment. Robert Jr. was sidelined due to a right hip flexor strain, an injury he sustained while running to second base against the Kansas City Royals on April 5.

Initially ruled out for 6-8 weeks, the White Sox' All-Star outfielder will reach the eight-week mark this weekend. By his standards, Robert Jr. was off to a slow start, slashing .214/.241/.500 in only seven games.

Help Wanted

Adjectives in the English language don't exist to describe the futile performance of White Sox hitters. Chicago has scored a mere 158 runs, dead last in baseball, and 43 fewer runs than the next lowest total.

Since Luis Robert Jr. landed on the injured list , the White Sox have tried to make do in the outfield with Rafael Ortega, Robbie Grossman, and Tommy Pham.

Grossman has been designated for assignment and traded, and Ortega is back in the minors. Meanwhile, Pham has provided a lift since joining the organization. The 36-year-old has put together an OPS+ of 127 in 29 games.

Rule 5'er

Left-handed pitcher Shane Drohan will join Luis Robert Jr. for a rehab stint with Triple-A Charlotte. In the offseason, the White Sox selected Drohan in the Rule 5 Draft from the Boston Red Sox. He's made five relief appearances between the Arizona Complex League and High-A Winston-Salem thus far.

The 25-year-old didn't pitch for the White Sox in Spring Training after undergoing nerve decompression surgery on his shoulder.

Drohan must remain on the White Sox' active roster for the entire season or he'll return to the Red Sox as part of MLB's Rule 5 stipulations. If his recovery goes smoothly, he'll make his Major League debut as a member of the White Sox.

What's On Tap Next?

A 40-man roster move is unnecessary for Luis Robert Jr., who has sat on the 10-day IL since the injury. However, Chicago will be required to send someone down upon his return, and that will likely be Corey Julks, who has made a good first impression since joining the club.

Shane Drohan's return will require the White Sox to either release, designate for assignment, or trade a player on the 40-man roster. Chicago recently claimed lefty reliever Sammy Peralta off waivers, marking his second go-around with the organization. Tanner Banks, Tim Hill, and Jared Shuster are three lefties the White Sox carry in their bullpen. Meanwhile, pitchers Mike Clevinger, Chris Flexen, and Dominic Leone have all struggled.

Nevertheless, should his rehab go smoothly, adding Drohan will require the White Sox to make a notable move on the current roster. Any help Drohan can provide to cover innings will be beneficial while Robert Jr.'s addition can only help Chicago's dreadful offense.

Subscribe to On Tap Sports Net on YouTube and the Sox On Tap podcast for more Chicago White Sox content, updates, and hot takes!