Cubs being patient with struggling Schierholtz

ST. LOUIS -- The Cubs are doing what they can to help Nate Schierholtz find his groove.

Last season, Schierholtz set career highs in home runs (21), RBIs (68) and at-bats (462), but this season, the outfielder was batting .195 with no homers and 12 RBIs entering Monday.

"Nate's still trying to find his groove," manager Rick Renteria said Monday. "For him, he needs to know that we still think he's going to click it and turn it around. He feels good. He's been working and feels a little more comfortable. As you all know, Nate is really reserved. He has a smile on his face, so that's a good sign."

Schierholtz delivered a two-run double on Sunday against the Braves, and he was 3-for-11 in his previous five games before Monday.

"When we put him in the lineup, he'll give you a good at-bat," Renteria said. "Maybe the results haven't been what we would like, but he still gives a good at-bat. You're still comfortable with him in the box."

What's interesting is the left-handed-hitting Schierholtz is defying tradition, and batting better against southpaws (.269) than righties (.172).