Sal Stewart just earned NL Rookie of the Month honors, but don't expect the Cincinnati Reds' first baseman to rest on his laurels. Instead of celebrating, the 23-year-old is locked in on breaking out of a tough stretch at the plate.

As the Reds opened their series against the Cubs on Monday, Stewart was mired in a mini-slump, going just 2-for-28 over his last seven games. "I always want to push myself to be the best," Stewart said. "I didn't like how I finished the month. I left something on the table. This month, I want to get it together and stay focused."

For the first time since arriving in the big leagues, Stewart is facing real adversity. Pitchers have adjusted their approach, working him inside more frequently, and the young slugger is working on his own counter-moves. "It's a cat and mouse game," he explained. "They're coming at me in a different way. I need to respond. That's the game. I understand that I've got to make adjustments. I've got to be better. My last couple of games wasn't who I am."

Manager Terry Francona isn't hitting the panic button. Having seen countless rookies navigate the ups and downs of a long season, he knows this is just part of the journey. "I don't know that he's going to hit .400," Francona said with a shrug. "I hope he does, but not too many people do. He has hit some balls at people."

Francona pointed to a near-miss in Sunday's game against the Pirates, where Stewart just missed a game-changing home run late. If that ball had cleared the fence, the mood around the clubhouse would be entirely different. "Guys go through periods where people are making pitches on him," Francona added. "Busting him in hard. If they don't get it there, they're probably going to pay. It's the normal course of ups and downs."

Despite the recent struggles, Stewart's overall numbers remain impressive. He ranks second on the team in on-base-plus-slugging percentage among Reds regulars, sitting 31% above league average in that category. He's also already racked up nine home runs and 29 RBIs.

What Stewart takes the most pride in, however, is his glove work. The versatile infielder has proven he can handle first, second, and third base, giving Francona valuable lineup flexibility. "That, I'm very pleased with," Stewart said. "Being able to play first, second, and third gives Tito more options. I want to be elite at all of those positions to give the team the best chance. I'm very happy with that. I hope to continue with that."

And there's one more milestone on his mind: his first games at historic Wrigley Field. "This is sick," Stewart said, a grin spreading across his face. "I remember coming to a game here with my dad when (Anthony) Rizzo played."

For the rookie who refuses to settle, the next chapter is just beginning—and it's one he's determined to write on his own terms.