CHICAGO (670 The Score) -- After proclaiming himself fully healthy in spring training after an injury-riddled 2018, Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant hasn't gotten off the the start he hoped for.
Bryant is hitting .233 with one homer, six RBIs, a .313 on-base percentage and .708 OPS through 10 games. And putting into action management's call for more urgency, manager Joe Maddon has taken a hands-on approach in an effort to get Bryant going.
"The one thing for me that we look for from KB (is) hitting the ball hard to the middle of the field," Maddon said. "What I mean is he is hitting the ball hard to left-center, right-center. Whenever you see him in the middle of the field on the line, he is in a good place. When he is getting around the ball and grounding balls to third base, that is an indication he is not on pace."
Bryant's numbers don't symbolize concern for the Cubs at this time. They've taken the positive reinforcement approach to help get him going.
"We love when he is accepting his walks but not looking for walks," Maddon said. "He can react at the last moment as opposed to chasing. The primary thing is he stays tall in the box. When he is hitting the ball up the middle of the field, that is when he is usually at the top of his game. I have already had different conversations about this. He is definitely aware. We have always had an easy relationship. My hesitancy has always been I don't want to interfere with the hitting coach. I always have given my advice as suggestions. I tell them, 'You don't have to do this, I just want you to think about it.' I really prefer when (hitting coach Anthony Iapoce) and KB get together and decide on the right things to do."
Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo stressed it's just a matter of showing patience, and Bryant will break out.
"I don't see it bothering him," Rizzo said. "How many games have we played? I am sure a couple of our guys will have a worse nine games than these. You just weather the storm until you get hot."
When he's on his game, Bryant is a force who disrupts opposing pitching staffs and creates difficult decisions for who foes look to attack in the Cubs' lineup.
"He is working through some things right now," Maddon said. "The good thing is he is healthy. That is the important thing. He is an elite player. For me, guys like that, you have to encourage them and be there to support them. You just have to stay with it until he comes up out the other side."
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
