White Sox’ bullpen knocked around in loss to Cubs before possible trade-deadline moves

White Sox fans are focused on what will happen with center fielder Luis Robert Jr. at the trade deadline. Starting pitcher Adrian Houser has pitched himself into plenty of trade talk, too.

But might deadline-related changes come to the Sox’ bullpen, as well?

It’s a logical assumption, given that contenders are always hungry for bullpen help, prepping for a postseason heavily reliant on relief arms.

The Sox’ relief corps entered play Saturday with a 2.85 ERA since June 19, the third-lowest in the majors.

Individual performance, however, might send certain arms away from the South Side in minor deals before the deadline Thursday, with right-handers Dan Altavilla and Steven Wilson and left-hander Tyler Alexander logical candidates.

At least they were before the crosstown series against the Cubs.

Altavilla had a nightmarish outing in the Sox’ 6-1 loss Saturday, facing five batters and getting no outs. He walked three, including one with the bases loaded, hit another and yielded a two-run single. His ERA jumped from 1.48 to 2.22, though that’s still a number that might attract interest.

‘‘Just a tough night. He really has been good,’’ manager Will Venable said of Altavilla. ‘‘He lost the zone there, didn’t have command of his stuff, and that’s going to put any pitcher in a tough spot.

‘‘I don’t know how long it’s been since we’ve seen a tough outing from Dan. He’s been outstanding for us. I know he’ll get right back to work, and we’ll get a better version of him next time.’’

Wilson struggled against the Cubs on Friday, allowing two runs, four hits and a walk two nights after allowing two runs against the Rays. His ERA has jumped from 1.99 to 3.00 after those two outings.

Alexander pitched a scoreless inning Saturday, avoiding the damage that befell his bullpen mates — including two home runs against right-hander Jordan Leasure — and watching his ERA shrink to 2.22 in his 12 appearances with the Sox.

Of course, the Sox’ bats shoulder some blame for the team’s second-half surge slowing down Saturday, scoring a single run after putting up 12 on Friday.

But as the trade deadline approaches, general manager Chris Getz and the front office likely will look for any avenue they can to bolster their rebuilding plan, including moving veteran relievers who might bring back a prospect.

Robert out again

Robert was out of the Sox’ lineup for a second consecutive game, still dealing with a sore adductor muscle.

Whether the injury or a recent hot streak at the plate — Robert has a .982 OPS in his last 11 games — will affect the front office’s efforts to deal him before the deadline remains to be seen.

First-rounder promoted

Infielder Jacob Gonzalez, whom the Sox took with their first-round pick in the 2023 draft, was promoted to Triple-A Charlotte after slashing .244/.305/.369 in 89 games at Double-A Birmingham.