ARLINGTON, Texas — With the trade deadline July 31 a month and a half away, White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr. is heating up a bit.
He’s on a four-game hitting streak and had his 10th multihit game of the season in the Sox’ 3-1 loss Friday to the Rangers at Globe Life Field. He’s 6-for-15 in those four games.
But his turnaround might be fool’s gold, considering he hasn’t resembled the slugger he was in 2023, when he was named an American League All-Star. Since then, he has been largely ineffective at the plate, hitting for neither average nor power.
The low point came last week, when the Sox benched Robert for two games against the Tigers so that he could make adjustments at the plate without the pressure of games. Robert had said last month, ‘‘I don’t think anybody is going to take a chance on me,’’ because of his subpar play this season.
Entering the game against the Rangers, Robert was batting .187/.273/.304 for a career-worst .576 OPS.
Before the game, however, the Sox acquired right-hander Aaron Civale from the Brewers for struggling first baseman Andrew Vaughn. Neither team had much leverage, given Civale’s public trade demand and Vaughn’s woes at the plate, but the fact that the Sox got something back for Vaughn was encouraging.
The same could be true of Robert. If he has a hot stretch at the plate, combined with his reliable defense and deft base-stealing, he’ll become a more enticing trade candidate.
Robert broke up the Rangers’ no-hit bid with a two-out single in the fifth that initially was ruled an out before replay overturned the call.
Then, with the Sox trailing 3-0 in the seventh, he drove in a run when he doubled on a sharp line drive to left field.
‘‘He just looks free up there,’’ manager Will Venable said. ‘‘I think there’s some confidence building with him. He’s seeing the ball a little bit better. It’s very encouraging and great to see.’’
Baldwin’s back
The Sox recalled utility player Brooks Baldwin after 19 games at Triple-A Charlotte, where he slashed .380/.437/.734 with seven home runs.
Baldwin was sent down in May because he was scuffling at the plate (.215/.257/.331 in 44 games) and in the outfield. He said he had success at Triple-A by using his legs more. Chasing homers in the majors was taking him out of his approach.
‘‘I always say homers are accidents,’’ Baldwin said. ‘‘And when you put good swings on balls, accidents happen more often. I’ve been trying to make those accidents happen a little more often but still put good swings on balls in the zone.’’
‘‘His time here was a tough stretch for him,’’ Venable said. ‘‘[Baldwin] went down there with a great attitude, did a great job, performed exceptionally well. We know the versatility that he brings to our club on both sides of the ball.’’
Roster moves
The Sox claimed first baseman Ryan Noda off waivers from the Red Sox and sent him to Charlotte. Outfielder Joshua Palacios and right-hander Owen White were designated for assignment.