Who knows what exactly is going on with Addison Russell’s foot injury at this point. What was first not necessarily even an “injury” that was keeping out became a precautionary rest situation, quickly became a disabled list situation, and now has become an extended stay on the DL situation. [UPDATE: As soon as I published, we get a more substantive update. Original post follows, see update below.] [And now an unrelated update, but I’m gonna squeeze it in here because the game’s about to start and it affects the infield defense: Ben Zobrist has been scratched tonight with a stiff neck.]
Eligible to come off the DL yesterday, there have been no indications that Russell will return quickly for the homestand that starts tonight, and the latest update doesn’t sound inspiring:
Maddon said nothing positive that suggests Russell will return soon
— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) August 14, 2017
No finish line for Russell (bottom of right foot), who continues to improve in field, batting and agility work.
— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) August 14, 2017
There's no good update on Addison Russell (foot). He's doing some light running but the Cubs don't have a… https://t.co/P9nZmXERXf
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) August 14, 2017
So, no timetable, some field work and light running. That doesn’t sound like a guy who is just a day or two away from a return.
It’s been easy to forget, since Javy Baez is such a capable backup and the other guys playing second base are big names, too, but the loss of Russell has really hurt the Cubs’ overall defensive picture. Baez is not quite Russell, and the other defenders at second base are not even close to Baez.
Furthermore, Russell had gotten really hot at the All-Star break, and was hitting the ball as hard as any Cub. This injury stings, and we still don’t know when Russell will be back.
Hopefully he can see time by the end of this homestand, and the Cubs can beat some beatable teams in the interim without him.
UPDATE: Some more information, and it further highlights that Russell will be out for a little while yet:
Hoyer said Russell's injury is muscular with some plantar fasciitis, likely needs a short rehab assignment when healthy
— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) August 14, 2017