The Chicago Cubs non-tendered infielder Addison Russell on Monday, making him a free agent, according to a source. Russell has fallen on hard times the last few seasons, mainly due to off-the-field issues, but he's also been slowed by injuries and hit just .237/.308/.391 with nine home runs and 23 RBI in 215 at-bats for the Cubbies in 2019. Javier Baez is Chicago's shortstop of the future now and not Russell. He should latch on with another organization, but at this point in his career he might just be middle infield depth off the bench.
Chicago Cubs infielder Addison Russell (concussion) was able to play catch before Wednesday's game against the Cincinnati Reds. Russell who is still in concussion protocol was able to take batting practice and now throw. The Cubs don't have a timetable for his return, but he appears to be making progress. Ben Zobrist will bat leadoff and play second base versus righty Tyler Mahle. Zobrist has been hot with the bat since returning to the Cubs, so he's a decent DFS option for Wednesday.
Chicago Cubs middle infielder Addison Russell went 3-for-4 with a home run and two RBI on Tuesday versus the Mets. Russell had been 2-for-14 since being recalled recently, but enjoyed facing the Mets Tuesday. Despite the nice stat line, Russell doesnt play enough or hit well enough to be considered outside of DFS.
The Chicago Cubs have recalled middle infielder Addison Russell on Friday. The Cubs struggled defensively on Thursday with Javier Baez (illness) out and David Bote and Ian Happ playing out of position. Russell finished serving a suspension to begin the season and struggled with the club upon his return. Russell will return to the Cubs and should see the field for defensive purposes, even if he struggles offensively. Russell can be avoided in formats for now.
Cubs Activate Willson Contreras, Option Addison Russell
Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras (foot) has been activated off the Injured List and is back with the team, hitting fifth in the lineup for Wednesday's game. Contreras went on the IL with an arch strain in his right foot on July 14. It's been a great bounce-back season for Contreras, who has been one of the best fantasy contributors at catcher this year, slashing .286/.382/.565 with 19 home runs, 55 RBI and 43 runs over 78 games. Addison Russell, meanwhile, is headed to Triple-A and hasn't done much to warrant staying with the big league club, with just 6 home runs 16 RBI and 18 runs with a .247/.329/.404 slash line over 55 games.
Chicago Cubs middle infielder Addison Russell (hand) will return to the Cubs lineup on Tuesday versus the Colorado Rockies. Russell had missed five of the teams previous six games with a bruised hand. Russell will bat seventh and face rookie pitcher Peter Lambert. Lambert shut down the Cubs in his big league debut, but Russell is still worth using in DFS with the game being played at Coors Field.
Chicago Cubs infielder Addison Russell (hand) is still out of the starting lineup on Sunday. Russell is day-to-day but could return to the lineup any day now. He should avoid a trip to the disabled list. David Bote is starting at second base and is hitting ninth on Sunday evening against Cardinals starting pitcher Adam Wainwright. Bote has been an excellent utility guy for the Cubbies in 2019, hitting .272/.352/.475 with seven home runs, 24 runs, 30 RBI and one steal in 158 at-bats. If he wasn't hitting ninth, he'd be a solid DFS pick against the aging Waino.
Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon said that infielder Addison Russell (hand) is out of the lineup on Saturday with a bruised right hand. Russell hurt the thumb area of his hand on a slide in the last game he played, and he's being listed as day-to-day. He could return to the lineup on Sunday. Since returning from his suspension and serving in a utility role, Russell is hitting .254/.320/.448 with four homers and eight RBI in 67 at-bats. Unless he starts seeing regular playing time, Russell is an NL-only commodity. David Bote is at the keystone and is hitting seventh against Cardinals starter Jack Flaherty on Saturday night.
Chicago Cubs middle infielder Addison Russell hit his third home run in four games on Tuesday versus the Houston Astros. Russell is beginning to heat up and is now hitting .298 with four home runs and six RBI in his first 47 at-bats. The home run was Russells only hit in two at-bats and he also drew two walks. Russell is working his way back from a suspension, but if he continues to hits, Russell is likely to remain in the lineup at second base with Javier Baez at shortstop. Russell is best suited for deeper NL-only and mixed leagues for those looking to ride a hot bat.
Chicago Cubs middle infielder Addison Russell hit his first home run of the season on Wednesday versus the Cincinnati Reds. Russell finished the game 2-for-4 with two runs scored and two RBI. Russell recently returned from a 40 game suspension and is nothing more than a watch list candidate at the moment.
