Back to the Chicago Cubs Newsfeed

Russell tweaks mechanics, mental approach

MILWAUKEE -- Maybe Addison Russell is best at baseball when he's not thinking about it.

The Cubs rookie second baseman smacked a solo home run Sunday in a 4-3 win over the Brewers, and now is batting .286 since the All-Star break. It wasn't just the time off that seems to have helped the 21-year-old, but some adjustments with hitting coach John Mallee.

"He's in an entirely different stance and setup and start to his swing," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said of Russell, who is batting .237 overall. "It's much more efficient. He's getting to fastballs much better.