What Cubs third baseman Matt Shaw's change in arm slot says about his defensive process

LOS ANGELES — In early January, Cubs coach Jonathan Mota brought an idea to top prospect Matt Shaw. After studying video of him playing third base and taking note of where he was missing when his throws were off-target, the Cubs wanted him to lower his arm slot.

Shaw had tested the same concept last fall while representing the U.S. in the Premier 12 tournament. And he was coming to the same realization. He was ready to make it a permanent change.

‘‘It feels great,’’ Shaw said in a recent conversation with the Sun-Times. ‘‘I definitely think it shows, the plays I’m making at third, and [I’m] comfortable getting it over to first. So that’s definitely a good sign. And I think I’ve made a lot of progress.’’

Shaw’s major-league career began with a whirlwind trip to Japan and some tough pitching matchups. He has started 14 of the Cubs’ first 17 games at third while still relatively early in a position change.

‘‘He’s going to make mistakes early, and his baseball IQ is very, very high; he’s a very intelligent kid,’’ said Mota, who works with the infielders. ‘‘It’s like, ‘Well, can you make adjustments?’ And Matt Shaw can.’’

A college shortstop, Shaw didn’t make third base his primary position until last season in the minors. Through drills, a throwing program and video sessions this winter, he found his ideal arm slot (about three-quarters). But an oblique injury this spring shortened his preparation time before he made his debut on Opening Day in Tokyo.

‘‘It’s unique debuting Opening Day, and it’s off to the races,’’ Shaw said. ‘‘But at the same time it was something that I was hoping I’d be prepared for. And I feel like I was. Obviously, the beginning didn’t go amazing against the Dodgers; they have a great team. But I really feel comfortable. Even offensively, you go through ups and downs, and that’s just the nature of baseball. So I feel confident.’’

Shaw made a throwing error that first game in Tokyo, ranging to his glove side and trying to make a spinning toss to first. He was off-balance, and his throw sailed wide. But in the next game, when he was presented with a similar play, his footwork was more controlled and he put his throw on target.

‘‘When you see something like that, you’re like, ‘OK, he’s able to retain information, he’s able to apply it,’ ’’ Mota said. ‘‘That’s all you can ask as an infield coach.’’

Entering the game Saturday against the Dodgers, Shaw had been charged with two more errors, both on hard-hit grounders that he couldn’t quite glove. For the most part, however, he has looked at home at third, despite his lack of experience.

‘‘I was really hoping I’d be able to get past all the environment stuff, the big leagues and everything, and get comfortable playing,’’ Shaw said of his expectations of the first few weeks. ‘‘And, honestly, by [the fourth game] in Arizona, I really felt that way.’’

In addition to working with the coaching staff, Shaw made sure to seek advice from veteran Justin Turner, who has played mostly first base and pinch-hit for the Cubs but started at third Saturday. And for immediate feedback, as well as follow-up conversations, Shaw has Gold Glove shortstop Dansby Swanson playing to his left.

‘‘Every day you put him out there, he’s going to just get a little bit better,’’ manager Craig Counsell said of Shaw. ‘‘Experiences, adversity, struggles, good plays — he’s going to get better and he’s going to take something from them and learn from them. And I think he’s done that.’’

In the Wrigley Field opener April 4, Shaw returned to the site he had visited just a year and a half earlier as a recent first-round draftee with his sights set on a quick rise through the Cubs’ system.

In his first time playing in front of the Cubs’ home crowd, he had a season-high five ground balls hit to him. He fielded each flawlessly, notching an assist on each one.