Chicago White Sox Star Luis Robert Jr. Powers His Way to Home Run Derby Semifinals

Luis Robert Jr. of the Chicago White Sox hit a ball 470 feet on Monday night as he defeated Adley Rutschman in round one of the Home Run Derby at T-Mobile Park.

Chicago White Sox star Luis Robert Jr. has advanced to the semifinals of the Home Run Derby during All-Star Week festivities. He hit 28 home runs in the first round, surpassing the total of 27 hit by Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman. The two were matched up with one another.

In addition to his volume of homers, Robert Jr. impressed with his home run distances, earning the :30 seconds of extra time for hitting at least two home runs of greater than 440 feet. His longest home run clocked in at 470 feet. 

His performance followed those of Tampa Bay Rays star Randy Arozarena (24), Texas Rangers star Adolis Garcia (17) and Rutschman. Arozarena defeated Garcia to also advance to the semis. Robet will meet Arozarena in that round.

Robert is having a great year amid a disappointing season for the White Sox overall. He's hitting .271 with 26 homers and 51 RBI. He's also stolen eight bases.

The fourth-year player out of Cuba is a lifetime .284 hitter with 62 homers and 181 RBI. One of the premiere talents in the league, he's finally staying healthy this season, having played in 89 of 92 games this year. He played in just 68 in 2021 and 98 in 2022.

The White Sox are 38-54 and in fourth place in the American League Central. They are 8.0 games back of the first-place Cleveland Guardians.

Robert and the White Sox will be back in action on Friday, July 15 against the Atlanta Braves.

In addition to the Home Run Derby, Robert will be part of the All-Star Game on Tuesday night.

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