WATCH: Edwin Rios Launches Must-See Two-Run Home Run Against Oakland A's
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Edwin Rios continues to make his case for a role with the Chicago Cubs this year.
The 28-year-old's latest display of power on Wednesday had the crowd in awe. In the top half of the sixth inning, Rios sent a 3-2 pitch deep over the right field wall to give the Cubs the lead for good.
The home run marked Rios' fourth of the spring, tied for the team lead with Christopher Morel, who also homered on Wednesday.
“He is a guy that is on the radar that … with a chunk of at-bats could put up some real big power numbers and really help us out."
That was Cubs manager David Ross who spoke with reporters earlier in the week about the adjustments the team made to Rios' swing upon arriving to the team.
After going 0-for-7 to start his tenure with the North Siders, the coaching staff noticed that the former Los Angeles Dodger came in with a more emphatic leg kick than in the past.
The change to his swing did more harm than good, messing with his timing, and has since been corrected.
Rios is reaping the benefits.
“He has big-time power,” Cubs hitting coach Dustin Kelly said. “And we all know that. And he doesn’t need to try and hit the ball any harder than he already does. … Sometimes that leg kick, there’s a give and take. Some of the give is the power, but some of the take is the balance.”
Since starting the spring off on a slow note, the Cubs' utility man is still looking to lock down his timing. He's hitting just .206 but has four long balls, a triple, and seven RBI.
“That opened up a lot of things,” Rios said on the adjustments, “and made me see the ball and see the ball a lot longer, and being able to make a decision and not pre-swinging or stuff like that.”
Going into this season, his role still remains unclear. He was the designated hitter on Wednesday, but his versatility will be key to playing time.
He's also seen time at third base and first base and noted that he's willing to play in the outfield if it means he's in the lineup.
Over his last four games, Rios is 3-for-10 with two home runs and four RBI. He'll look to finish the spring on a high note with just under a week left before the games count.
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