This has been an exciting season for the Chicago Cubs and rookie phenom Kris Bryant as the team has fought their way to a current playoff spot while Bryant has burst onto the scene. He’s already appeared in an All-Star Game and a Home Run Derby before his first season has concluded.

The good times haven’t lasted into the second half of the season, though, as Bryant has reached the worst slump of his young career. Since July 4, when Bryant exploded for a three-run homer and a grand slam, he has gone just 9-for-66 (.136) while recording zero multi-hit games.

Instead of hitting in the No. 3 and 4 spots in the order as he has all season long, Bryant needs to move down in the order to break out of his current slump. Manager Joe Maddon seems to agree as he moved Bryant to the No. 5 spot on July 22. To get him to break out of his funk, he might have to move him lower than that, though.

Hitting in the No. 6 or 7 spot in the order, Bryant will get more fastballs. With more fastballs, generally come more opportunities to produce offensively.

This current slump is nothing to be alarmed about; every rookie goes through some as opposing pitchers get scouting reports and start attacking their weaknesses. Baseball is all about making adjustments, and to succeed at the highest level, Bryant will have to start making some of his own.

Hitting further down in the order gives Bryant the best chance to get back on track. Once he’s back on track, he and the entire Cubs offense can start producing again.