White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson ready to run

HOUSTON — White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson’s major-league high for stolen bases is 26 in 2018, and he swiped 49 for Double-A Birmingham in 2015. The big-league total might be surpassed if the Sox’ first series and an early trend in the majors are indications.

Anderson stole a base in each of the first two games against the Astros.

‘‘I try to pick good spots,’’ he said. ‘‘Put them to sleep. [Pitchers] try to put me to sleep, so I try to play the same game. Use it against them and catch them napping. When I go, I have a pretty good shot at being safe.’’

Anderson said he isn’t fixated on a certain number of stolen bases.

‘‘It’s about being smart on the bases,’’ he said. ‘‘Not about how many you can steal, but trying to be safe most of the time.’’

New pickoff rules and larger bases benefit base-stealers, who were 5-for-9 on Opening Day last season but 21-for-23 on the first day in 2023.

‘‘It’s good for the game,’’ Anderson said. ‘‘Speed is a big part of the game, too. It’s going to be good to see people’s legs.’’

Roaming Romy

Utility player Romy Gonzalez not only made his first Opening Day roster, but he was in the Opening Day lineup Thursday against Astros left-hander Framber Valdez.

‘‘It was incredible,’’ Gonzalez said. ‘‘Especially here, Opening Day against the world champions. It was fun.’’

Gonzalez’s parents, grandmother and many friends in town for the Final Four got to the game.

Gonzalez can play all the outfield positions and is a shortstop by trade, so his versatility is valuable. And he is the emergency catcher, despite never catching at any level. He is working with catching coordinator Julio Mosquera from the player-development staff, catching pitches from a machine and catching pitchers in bullpen sessions.

‘‘Whatever it takes,’’ Gonzalez said. ‘‘Whatever I can do to help this team win.’’