ARLINGTON, Texas – It's been more than three years since Elvis Andrus batted anywhere but leadoff or No. 2 for the Texas Rangers.
That changed Thursday as Texas manager Ron Washington dropped Andrus to the No. 8 spot in the batting order.
Andrus understood the move.
"That's what he thinks is best for the team right now," Andrus said. "For sure I'm not at my best right now but in the end it's all about continuing to compete. I'm still in the lineup and I'm still trying my best to help the team win."
That hasn't come on the offensive end. Andrus is batting just .242 and has just 11 extra-base hits. Over the last 39 games, Andrus is batting just .195 and has two extra-base hits.
He knows he's struggling at the plate and he's doing what he can to turn things around.
"I still think it's a little thing in my swing," Andrus said. "I'm trying to hit everything in front. I'm not really seeing the ball right now. When you see me hit that many ground balls, especially to third base and shortstop, something's wrong. I'm still working in the cage and working early to try and figure it out."
Andrus said he knows pitchers are trying to pound him inside and throw breaking balls. It's up to him to make the adjustments. The last time Andrus didn't hit first or second was April 17, 2010. The No. 2 spot Thursday was occupied by David Murphy. Murphy batted second some when Ian Kinsler was on the disabled list, which is the reason he got that spot Thursday.
Washington dropped Andrus to eighth to take some of the pressure off him.
"Just give him a little break," Washington said. "He's been struggling for quite a while. He might be trying too hard, might be getting outside himself. He's pulling the ball a lot more than he normally does. Hopefully he can get relaxed and get back to Elvis and get back to what he does best."
