Cubs’ shortstop Addison Russell out for NLCS
With emotions and enthusiasm both running high for the resurgent Chicago Cubs, who secured themselves a berth in the National League Championship Series for the first time in 12 years, bad news perhaps brings the North Siders a reminder that October is far from over.
21-year old shortstop Addison Russell serves as the Cubs’ first injury of the postseason, as he was announced out for the NLCS on Thursday due to a moderate left hamstring strain. The rookie initially felt tightness in his left hamstring after safely sliding into third with a two-out triple in the fourth inning of Game 3 of the NLDS against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Russell made his MLB debut back in April of 2015, and became a staple in the Cubs’ lineup, finishing his rookie campaign with 13 HR, 54 RBI and a .242/.307/.389 triple slash. The Cubs’ middle infielder made headlines for several defensive plays, backed up by his 2.6 defensive WAR, good enough for fifth in the National League.
The Cubs’ shortstop was 3 for 12 with an RBI in the postseason, and will most likely be replaced in the starting lineup by fellow young infielder Javier Baez, who made a great impression in Tuesday’s Game 4 of the NLDS, going 2 for 3 with a three-run home run.
While the Cubs might not have lost much offensively with this injury, Russell’s absence will pose difficulty for Chicago, who will mostly miss his presence defensively, despite Baez also putting up strong defensive numbers in the MLB in 2015.
During the regular season, Baez improved to a 2.5 defensive WAR, a vast improvement over his lackluster numbers in 2014, where his -3.0 defensive WAR influenced the Cubs to work Baez at different positions.
Since then, the native shortstop has fit in well at his natural position, giving the Cubs a very reliable backup plan, making up very well for what would normally be a devastating loss in advance of a playoff series.
That being said, Russell’s presence on the Cubs has been invaluable this year, as Russell, along with several other of the Cubs’ rookies, have found success in weeding out weaknesses throughout the year, with Russell’s most noted improvement being seen with plate patience and outstanding defensive play.
Chicago is now faced with a decision regarding the open roster spot, and who is available for this series. Candidates for the spot include speedy outfielder Quintin Berry, who was signed by the Cubs in late August as an extra piece off the bench, being used primarily as a pinch-runner in late-game situations.
Other options for the Cubs are utility infielder Jonathan Herrera and outfielder Matt Szczur, both of whom saw ample playing time off the bench in 2015, and are very able late-game defensive replacements.
The Cubs could of course go with another arm, whether that be another starting and long relief option in Dan Haren, or perhaps another late-game reliever, with lefty Zac Rosscup available as a more intriguing option.
Whichever path the Cubs take to both replace Russell on the field and the roster, Chicago has a team constructed to perform well with injuries such as Russell’s, a concept validated by the extensive development and solid performance of the Cubs’ middle infielders.
The Cubs await the winner of the Thursday night’s Game 5 between the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS.