Homers signal payoff to Starlin's early work

CHICAGO -- After posting his first career two-homer game on Tuesday while batting sixth, Starlin Castro was back in the No. 2 spot in the Cubs' lineup on Wednesday. The shortstop knows manager Rick Renteria is trying to get the most out of him.

Heading into Wednesday night's game, Castro was 9-for-20 in his past five games with a 1.250 OPS in that span. Renteria said Castro had been working hard with coach Gary Jones in the field and with coaches Bill Mueller and Mike Brumley on his approach at the plate.

"Starlin is who he is," Renteria said. "He got a couple pitches up in the zone that he was able to drive out. He's a guy who when he swings a bat, he puts the barrel on the ball and is a pretty dangerous guy."

But Castro isn't trying to reach the bleacher seats.

"I don't want to try to hit homers," he said. "I know homers will come."

Renteria appears excited with Castro's defensive play as well. The shortstop, who did not play much in Spring Training because of a tender hamstring, has been impressive.

"He's got a little jump in his step, and he looks like he feels comfortable," Renteria said.