9/10 Byrd is the word – UPDATED

Marlon Byrd collected hit No. 155 of the season with two outs in the fifth inning Friday, matching his career high set last year with the Rangers. Usually it takes free agents who sign with the Cubs at least one year to get accustomed to day games. Byrd hit the ground running.

“I’m a guy who can adjust to schedules,” Byrd said.

He has been among the top hitters in the National League in average but has scuffled a little as he battles some end of season soreness. That’s something the Cubs outfielder is used to.  Playing the majority of games in the day time is something else.

“It wasn’t easy,” he said. “It’s not easy at all changing to this routine,
especially Saturday noon games and playing center field. It’s one of
those things — I don’t know, I think it’s really keeping your mental
focus all year. Physically, it’s automatic.”

What may have helped Byrd a little is the fact he came to the Cubs with hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo, whom he had for three years in Texas.

“My routine, as far as going to the cage, didn’t change because I’ve been
doing the same thing three straight years,” Byrd said. “I know what I have to do to
get ready.”

So, is he a morning person?

“I’m all day,” he said.

– Carrie Muskat