Mets Luis Robert Jr. returns to face old team but vibe around White Sox is different now
CHICAGO — Luis Robert Jr.returned to his roots Friday, but the vibe sure had changed since his departure.A White Sox team that had become something of a punchline in recent seasons was first in the AL Central, firmly in position to bring rare October baseball to this city’s South Side.
Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets.“This is a team that will always have a special place in my heart,” Robert said through an interpreter before going 1-for-3 with a double in the Mets’ 6-4 loss to the White Sox on a walk-off home run at Rate Field.
“I keep tabs of the results of the games, and I am really proud to see how they are performing this season.”Robert, 29, played his first six major league seasons for the White Sox before the Mets acquired him in a January trade that included Luisangel Acuña departing Queens.But Robert’s experience with the Mets has mirrored his last seasons with the White Sox, in which he spent significant time on the injured list and played for teams well removed from the playoff race by August.Robert spent nearly three months on the injured list this season with lumbar disc herniation before rejoining the team July 20.Robert entered play with an underwhelming .652 OPS.
And the Mets, despite 11 victories in 15 games, began the day 58-70 and 10 games behind in the race for the NL’s final wild-card spot.“This season has been pretty similar to how other parts of my career have gone, where I have been hurt, where I have been off the field,” Robert said.“But right now I think the most important thing for me is to finish the season strong and go out there and try to be the best version of myself.”The Mets tried to trade Robert before the Aug.
3 deadline, but were unsuccessful.It has left Robert as a spare part who is receiving playing time as Juan Soto rehabs a calf strain.Rookies Carson Benge and A.J.
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