After the Cubs’ 14-hit attack Saturday with contributions throughout the lineup, it isn’t too early to envision how productive their batting order might be once Seiya Suzuki returns — perhaps this week.
‘‘And another big bat in this lineup is going to be beneficial, for sure,’’ third baseman/right fielder Patrick Wisdom said after the Cubs pulled away to a 10-3 victory against the Rangers. ‘‘Great teammate, too. He’s going to fit right in.’’
Inserting Suzuki in right field and in the middle of the order might cut into playing time for a few players. But many strengthened their cases Saturday.
The Cubs’ biggest achievement was going 4-for-8 with runners in scoring position. Pinch hitter Eric Hosmer had a two-out, two-run single in the sixth inning against left-hander Brock Burke that gave the Cubs a four-run lead.
Shortstop Dansby Swanson hit an RBI single that snapped a 1-1 tie in the third. Ian Happ capped the scoring with a bases-loaded, two-out single that produced three runs — thanks to Swanson’s ability to score from first base with the help of a throwing error.
‘‘I’ve had a couple of years where that was a struggle of mine,’’ said first baseman/outfielder Trey Mancini, who produced an RBI single with two outs in the seventh for his third hit of the game. ‘‘Sometimes you get a little tight or try to do too much in those situations. You have to treat it like every other at-bat but also be locked in and stay in the middle of the field. That’s the best approach.’’
Mancini might spend more time at first base or designated hitter once Suzuki, who hit 14 home runs in 111 games last season, returns from a minor-league rehab assignment. Suzuki had a single, drew a walk and hit a sacrifice fly in three plate appearances in his first rehab game for Triple-A Iowa.
Suzuki, who played five innings in right field in his first game since recovering from a strained left oblique, is expected to have his status reassessed after playing Sunday.
Nick Madrigal, who has played sparingly while making the transition from second base to third, fouled off three two-strike pitches before hitting a double and scoring in the third, and his single after a home run by Yan Gomes helped fuel a four-run eighth.
‘‘I feel like we’ve got a completely different player this year than we had last year,’’ manager David Ross said, alluding to Madrigal’s injuries that limited him to 59 games last season. ‘‘He’s comfortable at third, moving [well] on the bases. With the swings he’s taking, he looks like a healthy version of himself.’’
Wisdom, who has started four games at third, made his second start in right and homered.
Two scheduled days off and the rainout Wednesday has made it difficult for Ross to keep his bench sharp. Left-handed hitter Edwin Rios, who spent the majority of his time at third base while in the Dodgers’ organization, has made only two starts — both at designated hitter. Fellow left-handed hitter Miles Mastrobuoni can play the infield and outfield, and Ross likes his plate discipline and past ability to handle fastballs.
Madrigal, Rios and Mastrobuoni have minor-league options.
‘‘Being a role player is the tough part,’’ Ross said of finding playing time. ‘‘It’s tricky, but it’s the big leagues. We’ve got to try to win ballgames. [That] is the most important thing.’’
