Maybe Elvis Andrus can hit a little bit after all.

The concerns about the rookie shortstop's ability to hit major league pitching seem to be vanishing after his first 10 games.

Andrus, 20, went into Saturday's game leading all American League rookies with a .357 batting average. Andrus was also the AL rookie leader in runs scored (10) and hits (10). His on-base percentage of .400 is second in the league.

Not bad for someone who hadn't played above Double A before this season, but not surprising to Andrus.

"I know that I can hit," said Andrus, who had a career high three hits Friday. "I'm not really worried about it. I've had a lot of conversations with [hitting coach] Rudy [Jaramillo]. He basically is trying to make me understand there is nothing too hard to hit in the big leagues."

Andrus said one of the biggest keys for his early success is he's not trying to do too much. He's also benefited from seeing good pitches in the No. 9 spot because teams don't want to put him on base to face Ian Kinsler.

"They want to get me out," said Andrus, who extended his hitting streak to three games with a fifth-inning single Saturday. "I know my job is to get on base any way I can. So far it's been good, and I'm glad I've been able to perform. I know it's a long season, but I want to continue to perform and get on base."

Anthony Andro