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Kris Bryant homers on May 9 for the 4th time in his 5 seasons
By Mark Gonzales
May 9 marks a special moment in Kris Bryant's already-storied career.
The Cubs slugger has hit a home run on that date in four of his five major-league seasons, including a solo shot Thursday afternoon that sparked the Cubs to a 4-1 win over the Marlins at Wrigley Field.
Bryant's 114th career home run came on the fourth anniversary of his first. He watched a clip of his first major-league homer, off the Brewers' Kyle Lohse at Miller Park on May 9, 2015, on a clubhouse TV.
"I was just impressed by who was on the team," said Bryant, recalling former teammates Starlin Castro and Miguel Montero and pitching coach Chris Bosio. "It's just crazy how quick this game goes by.
"You're always caught up in the teammates here now and you forget about the guys you played with in the past, and how much fun it's been. It goes by so quick. That's why it's important to sit back and appreciate it once in a while."
The only time Bryant did not hit a home run on May 9 was in 2016. He didn't get a chance, as the scheduled home game against the Padres was rained out.
Bryant also had a witty reply after learning that teammate Anthony Rizzo appreciated Bryant working Marlins pitcher Trevor Richards for a walk before Rizzo's fifth-inning home run.
"I let him know, too," Bryant said with a smile. "I've been on the receiving end of that, too."
No rush for Russell
After watching Addison Russell look rusty in his first two at-bats Wednesday, manager Joe Maddon acknowledged there will be an "ease-in" process with the infielder.
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"From what I saw, he still needs the work in some areas," Maddon said of Russell, who didn't start in Thursday's series finale. "I don't think he was totally accomplished at the plate. But even if he's not, he's still attractive in the latter part of the game defensively. He looked fine catching and throwing."
Russell was promoted from Triple-A Iowa one week sooner than expected due to Ben Zobrist being granted a leave of absence and placed on the restricted list to attend to a family matter.
Maddon anticipates Russell will spend extra time working with hitting coaches Anthony Iapoce and Terrmel Sledge.
Russell likely will return to the lineup Friday against Brewers left-hander Gio Gonzalez.
There is a chance that Russell could start at shortstop sometime after Monday's day off, which would give Javier Baez his first break of the season. Baez has started at shortstop in all 35 Cubs games so far. The team is in a stretch of 26 games in 27 days, including 16 consecutive games starting Tuesday.
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"I'm already thinking about that," Maddon said. "(Bryant) looks pretty strong to me right now. So does Rizzo, and I think Javy is, but Javy is the guy playing shortstop. Even though KB is bouncing around, there's something about him. If he's hitting, leave him alone. Keep playing him."
The Cubs have hit at least one home run in in 15 consecutive games. The streak is the longest by a National League team this season and equals the Cubs' longest since July 21 to Aug. 6, 2002. The Cubs lead the NL with 30 homers during the stretch. … Baez's single in the fifth extended his hitting streak to eight games.
mgonzales@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @MDGonzales
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