Baez’s adjustments earn Maddon’s praise

CHICAGO — Cubs fans may be giddy over Javier Baez’s decisive home run in Friday’s 1-0 Game 1 win in the National League Division Series, but manager Joe Maddon was very pleased with the infielder’s single to right in the fifth inning.

“The base hit to right field was the most encouraging part of his night,” Maddon said Saturday.

That’s because it showed how Baez has made adjustments with his swing to be more of a contact hitter. He doesn’t bring his foot off the ground as much or as high as he did in the past.

Game Date Time Matchup TV/Highlights Gm 1 Oct. 7   CHC 1, SF 0 Gm 2 Oct. 8 SF @ CHC MLBN Gm 3 Oct. 10 9:30 p.m. CHC @ SF FS1 *Gm 4 Oct. 11 8 or 8:30 p.m. CHC @ SF FS1 *Gm 5 Oct. 13 8 or 8:30 p.m. SF @ CHC FS1 *- If necessary | All times listed ET • Division Series start time scenarios • Giants vs. Cubs NLDS coverageShop for postseason gear: Cubs | Giants

“When your foot is in the air, your hand is going to do something to compensate,” Maddon said. “If you keep your foot on the ground longer or quicker, the hand is ready to [swing] and sooner.”

Baez started again Saturday in Game 2, against another right-handed pitcher in Jeff Samardzija.

“He’s gotten better and he’s hit righties in the past,” Maddon said. “We just haven’t given him the opportunity.”

Baez has rotated at a variety of infield positions, and often is inserted where the Cubs want their best glove.

“He’s going to keep getting better,” Maddon said. “This is just the beginning for …

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