Starlin relaxes as trade winds pass through

MILWAUKEE -- As much as Starlin Castro tried to tune out all the rumors leading up to the Trade Deadline, it wasn't easy. He got frustrated and had to reprimand some family members who called to ask about the gossip.

"I didn't really watch TV or watch rumors," Castro said after driving in two runs in the Cubs' 4-1 victory over the Brewers on Friday night. "Sometimes people, even family, would call me and tell me, 'We see you in the news,' and I say, 'Don't call me for that.'

"I don't even use my Instagram anymore," Castro said. "[If I did], maybe the fans would text me or something, 'Hey, you might be traded.' I don't want to see this. It's over now. I just have to keep fighting in there and try to finish strong."

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Manager Joe Maddon had tried to get the shortstop to relax earlier this week, telling him that he wasn't sitting on Wednesday because of a potential deal. Now that the Deadline has passed, Maddon noticed a difference.

"More than anything, I thought Starlin was more relaxed," Maddon said. "I noticed that pregame."

Castro delivered a game-tying RBI single in the second. In the fourth, Anthony Rizzo scored the go-ahead run from third when Castro hit into a fielder's choice. It was his 11th multi-RBI game of the season.

Video: CHC@MIL: Castro brings home Rizzo with a groundout

All he needs to do now is take a deep breath.

"That's the kind of thing that kills me -- I go too fast," Castro said of his at-bats. "I can't even breathe. That's what I try to do now is go in there, pitch by pitch. Don't try to do too much with one pitch. They have to throw me one pitch to hit. I just go in there to hit and try to put the ball in play."

Last season, Castro batted .378 in August. Maddon would love to see that again this year.

"Things can change in one month," Castro said. "In one month, the season can be great. I have to keep positive, keep fighting."