Chicago White Sox: Tony La Russa at it again with injured player
Another day and another instance of Chicago White Sox manager Tony La Russa not paying attention to an injured player.
Just days after La Russa allowed a clearly injured Michael Kopech to face four hitters without recording an out before he was removed from the game, he allowed a clearly injured Luis Robert to play. This time, although Robert was swinging with one hand, La Russa still let him hit in the top of the 11th inning, resulting in a strikeout.
Chicago White Sox suffering through another Tony La Russa mistake
At least La Russa admitted his mistake from Thursday night. Sort of. He did say that there has to be concern about Robert getting injured with those types of swings and that he may need to rethink sending him out there in that situation. So far, that would be a step in the right direction.
But then La Russa continued, saying that he did not think about replacing him at the time because of three outs that Robert made. Yes, his double play grounder was hit hard, and he did manage a 370 foot fly ball to center, but he clearly was not swinging right.
The justification is that Robert is still hitting the ball hard when he squares one up. As true as that may be, he still needs to be able to make contact for that to happen. Swinging with one hand is not a great way for him to make that contact the White Sox need.
Yes, the White Sox need Robert in the lineup if they are going to overcome their four game deficit in the AL Central and Wild Card races. However, if he is injured and cannot swing the bat, he is a wasted spot in the lineup. La Russa knew he was hurt and let him head to the plate in a key situation anyway.
The White Sox have dramatically underperformed expectations this year. Various gaffes, inexplicable managerial decisions, and questions about whether or not La Russa has been awake in the dugout have not helped matters. Leaving another clearly injured player in the game is just another part of the equation.
Next. 3 options to replace La Russa. dark
Tony La Russa is at it again. The Chicago White Sox manager once again left a clearly injured player in the game to the team’s detriment.