Cubs move struggling Heyward down in batting order

The Chicago Cubs are finally taking Jason Heyward out of the two-hole.

This season, Heyward is batting .231/.321/.320 with four home runs, but hasn't hit a dinger since June 11. Manager Joe Maddon said the move isn't permanent, but with the All-Star break coming up, now is the perfect time for it.

"Just give him a little break out of that 2-hole and see if we can get him going in the right direction on a more consistent basis," Maddon said prior to Monday's game against the Cincinnati Reds.

"Just rearrange the deck chairs and see how it plays," he added. "A week before the All-Star break, you can look at it, evaluate it. It'll look different when we come back. Just get a feel for it right now."

In his first year with the Cubs, Heyward is having his worst season since 2011, when he batted .227 with 14 homers.

But despite the decision, Heyward says he's not upset with it, and he's willing to do what needs to be done to help the club go in the right direction.

"Joe wants to mix it up and continue to do things to help us as a group," Heyward said. "I'm not really thinking about that. Just trying to help the team win."

Prior to Monday's game, the Cubs sit eight games ahead of the St. Louis Cardinals for first place in the National League Central.