White Sox closer David Robertson won’t pitch until after the All-Star break after suffering a strain high in his left leg earlier this week.
Robertson underwent an MRI, which he said revealed something “mild” that’s just in a bad spot He said the issue first cropped up after pitching last Wednesday against the New York Yankees.
“It was just a little sore and had some discomfort,” Robertson, who has a 3.22 ERA and 23 saves, said. “I came to the field (Friday) and I wasn’t able to pitch, I wasn’t able to go. I had to tell Robin (Ventura).”
Due to Robertson’s absence, right-hander Matt Albers was forced into a key spot in the eighth inning Saturday against the Atlanta Braves after Zach Duke was lifted following 1 1/3 scoreless innings. Albers allowed a one-out double and, after getting Gordon Beckham to ground out, intentionally walked Freddie Freeman.
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Right-hander Nate Jones relieved Albers and earned a four-out save despite loading the bases in the ninth inning.
While not getting to pitch in Saturday’s one-run game was difficult, Robertson said he should be ready to return to action when the White Sox start up play after the All-Star break next Friday against the Los Angeles Angels.
“It’s making it tough for me to pitch right now because I can’t move that well,” Robertson said. “Doctors are saying a couple of days, so I’m thinking right after the All-Star break I’ll be ready to roll.”