The White Sox received good news and bad news on the injury front on Thursday. The team announced that Luis Robert Jr. could return from his hip flexor after a week-long rehab assignment in Charlotte next week. However, Eloy Jimenez is expected to be on the shelf for 4-6 weeks with due to a hamstring injury suffered on May 21st.
The news comes a day after the White Sox announced that Jimenez would miss an extended period of time. It marks the 20th injury Jimenez has suffered since making his MLB debut in 2019. The injuries include his ankle, elbow, hip, foot, pectoral, groin, knee, hamstring, leg, appendix, heel, and adductor.
“He beat it up pretty good,” White Sox manager Pedro Grifol told MLB.com on Thursday. “Exactly how much time who knows? But it’ll be an extended period.”
Jimenez was hitting .231 this season with five home runs, 12 RBIs, and a .669 OPS in 134 at-bats. This will likely mark his final season with the White Sox. He still has two club options remaining on his contract but given his recent production and inability to stay on the field, it is hard to see them picking up a $16.5 million option for 2025.
While Jimenez is trending in the wrong direction Robert Jr. is on the comeback trail. He began his rehab work earlier this week at the Rookie-level Arizona Complex League and homered on Wednesday. He has been on the IL since April 15th after suffering a right hip-flexor strain.
