What a start for Luis Robert.
The White Sox’ No. 3 prospect, who signed a $26 million bonus three weeks ago, homered in his second at-bat Monday, going deep in a Dominican Summer League game.
It was Robert’s first game action in seven months. He reported to the Sox’ academy in the Dominican Republic on June 3 and admitted to being anxious because of the layoff.
“I was very happy running around the bases,’’ Robert, 19, said. “It was a very special moment for me. I got the baseball, and I’m going to save it in a special place.”
Robert grounded out in his first at-bat and walked in his third and last plate appearance. Against right-hander Geraldo Sanchez, Robert worked a 3-0 count and connected on a 3-1 changeup.
He played center field.
Luis Robert's first hit and HR (in his 2nd at-bat) as a member of the White Sox! https://t.co/KTBhOeSNOr
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) June 12, 2017
Setback for Jones
Right-hander Nate Jones isn’t close to rejoining the team.
He went on the disabled list with elbow neuritis after appearing in 11 games and was working his way back, but the symptoms flared up again.
“It was frustrating,’’ Jones said. “We had thrown four or five, six bullpens. And the symptoms weren’t going away. We had a discussion and decided it was in our best interest to shut it down again and try to get ahead of this, so it isn’t lingering during the season.’’
Jones’ most recent MRI was clean, he said.
“The ligament is strong, and everything else is good,’’ Jones said.
Leury out
Leury Garcia was getting an X-ray on the middle finger of his left hand, but manager Rick Renteria said he was “squeezing [rice] and doing things that tell me he’s going to be OK.’’
Follow me on Twitter @CST_soxvan.
Email: dvanschouwen@suntimes.com
RELATED STORIES
White Sox select Jake Burger with 11th pick in major-league draft
Avisail Garcia making good case to start in All-Star Game