Cubs rookie Nelson Velazquez showing off ‘thump’ with extended stay in majors

Cubs rookie Nelson Velazquez follows through on a two-run home run during the eighth inning of the team’s 15-2 win against the Phillies on Friday. (AP Photos)

PHILADELPHIA — Soon after Cubs outfielder Nelson Velazquez’s call-up in late May, he brought an area of focus to his new hitting coaches.

‘‘I wanted to stay a little more to the middle of the field,’’ he told the Sun-Times this month. ‘‘Use that big part of the field.’’