April 27--CINCINNATI -- It could be a while before Cubs rookie Addison Russell becomes a middle-of-the-order hitter, but he showed his potential as a run producer Sunday by hitting a three-run double from the ninth spot to highlight a four-run rally.
Manager Joe Maddon never panicked about Russell's 2-for-19, 11-strikeout start, and the double reinforced his optimism.
Russell, 21, battled from an 0-2 count before driving a pitch from Anthony DeSclafani off the wall in right center. That snapped an 0-for-8 slide for Russell that included seven strikeouts.
"I'm understanding this whole process," Russell said. "It may be overnight. It may take a few games. It may take a few at-bats. I'm just trying to stay patient and stay with my approach and believe in my talent."
Russell will make his Wrigley Field debut Monday night in front of his parents, his fiancee and her family.
Out of the zone: Jorge Soler finished the 2014 season with only four hits in his final 28 at-bats, but he rebounded by hitting .327 through his first 13 games this season.
Maddon believes Soler is capable of another rebound, provided he can regain his selective approach.
"There's nothing wrong with your swing, just organize your strike zone," Maddon said before Soler went 0-for-4 and is now hitless in his last 15 at-bats with 10 strikeouts. "He's had the reputation of being able to organize his strike zone, which tells me he's going to be able to do it again.
"He's a little eager with guys in scoring position too. He might have been trying to move people. But he's also done some nice damage. I think when he gets back to his own, he'll start hitting the ball consistently well again."
Rotation adjustment: Because of Saturday's rainout, the Cubs adjusted their rotation by switching the turns of Jason Hammel and Travis Wood. Hammel will stay on his regular schedule and start Monday night against the Pirates, while Wood will start Tuesday night.
