The veteran utility man has picked it up after a slow start in Spring Training.
In Tuesday's 9-6 win over the Texas Rangers, Chicago Cubs newcomer Edwin Rios sent the first pitch he saw over the center field wall. The moonshot home run marked his second long ball of the spring.
He lined a single into center field off a left-handed pitcher in his second at-bat.
After going 0-for-7 with five strikeouts in his first three games, Rios has picked it up in his Spring Training season with the Cubs.
The 28-year-old has gone 3-for-5 with two RBIs in his last two games.
Rios signed a one-year contract with the North Siders in the offseason after being waived by the Dodgers. With a crowded roster in Los Angeles, he failed to carve out a full-time role over part of four big league seasons.
He's hoping to change that narrative in Chicago.
“I'm trying to be more selective, swinging at strikes," he said. "I think when I do that, I put myself in a position to be successful.”
Finding regular playing time with the Cubs could also be a challenge this year. Rios' versatility will be key with logjams at the corner infield positions.
Manager David Ross has already penciled him in at designated hitter, third base, and first base in seven Spring Training games. The veteran utility man understands that he will have to be able to play wherever the Cubs would like to use his bat.
“Being prepared is the most important part and just always being ready," Rios said of playing multiple positions. "I always want to be in the lineup, so it’s one of those things where if I’m going to be in the lineup because I have to play third, first, DH, or some outfield, I’m going to be ready for it.”
Despite starting off the exhibition schedule without a hit in his first three games, Rios didn't get discouraged by the slow start. Instead, it fueled him to continue pushing forward.
His work ethic hasn't gone unnoticed within the clubhouse.
“Early on, he’s been getting his timing down and as of late, he’s really barreled some baseballs," said Ross.
"I’ve been extremely encouraged with his work ethic. He’s a guy that just comes in, and he’s headed to the yard, hitting off the tee. We have a night game, he’s here at one o’clock. He likes to be around baseball and has very good energy.”
When healthy and regularly in the lineup, Rios' bat has some pop. In 2019, he slugged 31 home runs and drove in 91 runs over 104 games with the Dodgers Triple-A outfit.
He's shown the propensity to swing and miss at the big league level, with nearly a 40 percent strikeout rate in 27 games last year.
But with a legitimate chance to earn a full-time role with the Cubs in 2023, there is hope that Rios can reduce his strikeouts and increase his walks.
He just needs a chance to showcase himself.
“He’s had some opportunities in the past but never given the real reins to play, so it’s been nice having him in camp and watching him perform," Ross added.
More must-reads: