The Chicago Cubs announced shortstop Addison Russell suffered a left heel contusion Sunday against the Milwaukee Brewers. It is uncertain when he will return to action.
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Russell Leaves Game, Replaced by Baez
Sunday, July 24
According to MLB.com’s Carrie Muskat, Russell’s removal from Sunday’s game was for precautionary purposes. Muskat also noted he had fouled a ball off the same heel Saturday.
Javier Baez took Russell’s place at shortstop to finish out the game.
Russell’s Injury a Major Scare for Cubs
This would be a significant blow to one of the league’s best teams if Russell misses extended time.
He played 142 games in his rookie season and finished with a .242 batting average, 13 home runs and 54 RBI. Thus far in 2016, he has 11 homers, 56 RBI and a .417 slugging percentage. His batting average has also improved slightly, climbing to .251.
Russell gives the Cubs some pop lower in the order and helps turn the lineup over for sluggers such as Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant. According to ESPN.com, the shortstop finished with an impressive 3.4 offensive WAR in his rookie campaign.
While he is valuable for his bat, his excellent fielding ability stands out as well. According to FanGraphs, Russell was responsible for nine total defensive runs saved above average at second base and 10 at shortstop in 2015 as Chicago’s anchor in the middle of the infield. While he has been locked in as the primary shortstop this year, he has still flashed the same formidable leather in the field.
Baez will likely fill in as the starting shortstop while Russell is out. Baez started the 2016 campaign on the disabled list with a thumb injury, but he is arguably Chicago’s most versatile player and can fill in at second base, shortstop, third base and in the outfield when needed.
Second baseman Ben Zobrist can also play shortstop. Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune noted Zobrist was Russell’s immediate backup at the start of the season when Baez was on the disabled list, and the former Tampa Bay Ray has made a career of filling in at various spots across the field.
Tommy La Stella is another infielder who can serve as an emergency starter when necessary, even though he is more of a third or second baseman.
While the Cubs have enough depth to survive a short-term setback, they need Russell’s stellar glove and promising bat if they plan to deliver on elevated expectations in 2016.
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