Chicago Cubs infielder Addison Russell exited Game 3 of the National League Division Series after suffering a hamstring injury and was replaced by Javier Baez.
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Russell Out for Game 4 vs. Cardinals
Tuesday, Oct. 13
Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reported Baez will play shortstop and bat ninth in place of Russell for Game 4.
Maddon, Russell Comment on Injury
Tuesday, Oct. 13
"For right now we are absolutely not certain what the severity is," Maddon said after the game, via Adam Berry of MLB.com.
Russell said he felt a "little grab" in the hamstring as he rounded the bases in the fourth inning.
"It feels fine now," Russell said, via Berry. "We're just going to wait and see how it goes overnight, come back in, I'll tell the trainers how I feel and we'll go from there."
Cubs Defense Will Suffer Major Blow if Russell Misses Extended Time
While Baez is a capable replacement, this is a serious setback for Chicago if Russell is out for extended time in this series.
Not only is he the anchor of the team's infield defense at shortstop, but he also has a sparkling future ahead of him at only 21 years old.
Russell is a sure-handed fielder who covers plenty of ground and routinely turns in spectacular plays behind his pitchers. He posted 10 total defensive runs saved above average at shortstop and nine at second base this season, according to FanGraphs. He took over the starting shortstop role from Starlin Castro during the season largely because of that stellar defense.
Russell also mixes in occasional power and solid speed at the plate and hit 13 home runs in 142 games during his rookie season.
While Russell’s presence in the field and lineup is critical for Chicago’s potential long-term success in the playoffs, manager Joe Maddon does have some pieces to fill the void. Castro was the starting shortstop on Opening Day and for the first half of the season, and Baez is a highly regarded prospect with power potential.
Chris Coghlan proved he is capable of handling second base on a regular basis earlier this season, when he switched there from the outfield to accommodate Russell’s move to short. He is a high-contact hitter who adds a left-handed threat to the lineup and solid power, and he can play second if Castro is at short.
Maddon also has Tommy La Stella at his disposal as a versatile option who can play nearly anywhere in the infield. Baez has experience at shortstop, and La Stella can cover second—which gives Chicago additional mix-and-match options in the lineup without Russell.
Between Castro, Baez, La Stella and Coghlan in the middle infield, the Cubs should have enough to remain afloat without Russell for the short term. Still, the rookie is a major part of the winning equation on the North Side, and his team will be much better off in the field and at the dish when he returns.
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