Luis Robert off IL, looking to get ‘hot' hot at home plate

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Luis Robert didn't fear for the worst when he had a headache and a fever Monday night. He wasn't concerned that his symptoms would keep him away from his teammates too long.

Why not?

"I wasn't overly concerned because I already had COVID," he said through team interpreter Billy Russo on Thursday.

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Oh?

Not that anyone's personal medical situations need to be made public, but we've gotten so used to high profile athletes revealing when they've been infected with COVID-19 during the pandemic. When it happens during the season, there's a league-mandated layoff and all sorts of testing.

This is the thing, after all, that has upended every aspect of human life and therefore the world of sports. Teams, the White Sox included, are still dealing with protocols put in place by the league that have changed their daily routines.

So Robert's admission that he had COVID-19 during the offseason came as a bit of a head-turner.

Of course, it has nothing to do with what he and the White Sox are dealing with right now. Robert returned from the injured list Thursday, his stay lasting just a couple days as he passed all the tests he needed to pass to get the all-clear to come back.

He's still getting over the last of the symptoms that sent him to the IL in the first place. His headache and fever are gone, but he's still "a little lethargic" after having spent most of the last couple days in bed.

Robert wasn't in Tony La Russa's lineup for Game 1 of the White Sox doubleheader with the Detroit Tigers on Thursday afternoon, that lingering lethargy likely buying him seven innings of rest before he's set to play in Game 2.

But make no mistake, even though he missed only one game, the White Sox are thrilled to have him back, considering the prowess he's shown at the plate of late, not to mention their depleted outfield.

"We're excited to get him back," La Russa said. "He's playing at a high level."

Indeed, he is. In his last 10 games, he's slashing .395/.439/.553 with five extra-base hits and six runs scored.

But even owning the status of one of the White Sox best hitters this season, Robert is still anticipating that the best is yet to come — for him at the plate and for everyone looking forward to summer arriving in Chicago.

"I haven't felt really hot yet in this season," he said. "I think that one of the reasons why is the weather. It's a little uncomfortable to play with this weather, with cold weather. I think that's one of the reasons why I'm trying to be more cautious with my swings and with my approach.

"I haven't really swung the bat really hard. I'm just trying to make good contact, but so far that has been good. I think the results have been good, and I think once the weather starts warming up a little bit, my offense is going to start to warm up, too.

"Even though I haven't felt 'hot' hot with my offense, I have felt comfortable with my approach at home plate."

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