Luis Robert Jr. flashes his two-way ability in White Sox' 10-1 victory vs. Pirates

PITTSBURGH — White Sox right-hander Jonathan Cannon sensed he had given up an extra-base hit in the third inning Friday against the Pirates.

He left a 2-2 sinker up in the zone that Isiah Kiner-Falefa sent out to center field. Cannon looked at the flight of the ball, defeated.

‘‘I’m like, ‘Crap, that’s a double,’ ’’ he said.

But center fielder Luis Robert Jr. got a great jump and closed the distance before completing a diving catch to rob Kiner-Falefa of a hit.

‘‘That’s maybe the best catch we’ve had all year,’’ said Cannon, who allowed one run in seven innings in the Sox’ 10-1 victory. ‘‘I always say he’s the best center fielder I’ve had play behind me.’’

Robert’s impact defensively, on the bases and at the plate was felt throughout the Sox’ rout.

In the fourth, Robert belted a leadoff home run. That and the catch in center showcased what makes him both a tantalizing and frustrating player, one the Sox hope gets hot before the trade deadline July 31. He finished 2-for-2 with two walks, three runs scored and two RBI.

‘‘That’s Louie right there; that’s how we envision him on a daily basis,’’ manager Will Venable said. ‘‘We understand the impact that he can have, how dynamic he is. He just put himself in a really good position at the plate to be on time, got really good swings on some good pitches to hit [and] didn’t miss them. The defense was outstanding.’’

Robert has gotten some pitches to hit this season, but he wasn’t punishing mistakes. On his homer, left-hander Bailey Falter left a splitter in the heart of the zone that Robert pounced on.

Despite the productive night, Robert wasn’t ready to celebrate after the game or proclaim he had turned the corner.

‘‘We’ll see how I come back [Saturday],’’ he said through an interpreter.

With the trade deadline nearing, every game matters for the Sox and Robert.

Martin’s recovery

Right-hander Davis Martin (strained right forearm) has been on the 15-day injured list since June 20. The Sox want to be cautious with him because a forearm injury can be a precursor to an elbow injury. Martin missed the 2023 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Venable said Martin likely will return in the Sox’ series next week against the Rays. When he does, the Sox will have six healthy starters: Martin, Cannon, Aaron Civale, Adrian Houser, Sean Burke and Shane Smith. One of them likely will be moved to the bullpen, but no decision has been made.

Civale was assured he would be given an opportunity as a starter with the Sox after the Brewers tried to shift him to a relief role. But his results have done little to back up the notion that he should remain part of the rotation (0-4, 5.58 ERA).

Roster updates

Outfielder Brooks Baldwin (tightness in lower back) began a rehab assignment at Triple-A Charlotte. He has been out since July 9.

• Right-hander Noah Syndergaard was promoted to Charlotte. He had a 2.93 ERA in four starts at the Arizona Complex League.