HOUSTON — General manager Chris Getz probably will want to show potential trade partners film of center fielder Luis Robert Jr.’s performance in the White Sox’ 4-2 victory Tuesday against the Astros.
In one of his finest two-way games of the season, Robert flashed all the skills that might make him an enticing trade candidate if he can become more consistent at the plate.
With two outs and a runner on first base in the second inning, Robert hit a run-scoring double to give the Sox a 1-0 lead.
After the Sox added to their lead with a two-run single by Edgar Quero in the third, the Astros got a run back in the bottom of the inning on a sacrifice fly by former Cubs third baseman Isaac Paredes.
But there Robert was again in the fourth. He launched a 362-foot solo homer, his sixth of the season, to extend the Sox’ lead to 4-1. According to Baseball Savant, Robert’s shot only would have been a homer in four ballparks.
Then, with the Sox clinging to a 4-2 lead in the eighth, the Astros had runners on first and third with two outs when Robert made a sliding catch on a line drive by Jake Meyers to end the inning.
After the game, manager Will Venable couldn’t decide which was more impressive, Robert’s offense or his defense. Robert finished 2-for-4 with two RBI.
‘‘[Robert’s play] was significant on both ends,’’ Venable said. ‘‘Great to see him drive the ball a couple of times. Obviously, really big plays in the outfield.’’
The idea of Robert as a five-tool center fielder is why Getz held on to him in the offseason and bet on the former All-Star to have a bounce-back season.
That risk hasn’t played out as well as Getz might have hoped, with the Sox sitting Robert for two of their four games last week against the Tigers to give him a chance to clear his mind.
Team officials credit Robert for continuing to work, but they needed to see improvement. Tuesday was a step in the right direction.
Starting off strong
The top of the Sox’ lineup has been setting the offensive tone lately. Right fielder Mike Tauchman, shortstop Chase Meidroth and third baseman Miguel Vargas have become entrenched at the top of the order.
‘‘Just consistent, quality at-bats where you have guys who control the zone extremely well, so it’s been nice to start your day as an offense with those three guys,’’ Venable said.
Tauchman’s mature approach at the plate has rubbed off on the lineup. He’s a patient hitter with a good eye who had swung at only 18.6% of pitches outside the strike zone entering play Tuesday. That would be the second-best mark in the American League if he had enough plate appearances to qualify.
Cannon update
Venable said right-hander Jonathan Cannon is coming along in his recovery from a strained lower back that landed him on the 15-day injured list.
‘‘I don’t know what type of throwing or anything that he’s done, but the reports on his back are feeling good,’’ Venable said. ‘‘I ask him every once in a while, and he’s in good spirits.
‘‘I’m not sure about a timeline [for his return], but [he’s] trending in the right direction.’’
