Addison Russell has been reinstated by the Chicago Cubs, but that does not mean he is returning to the majors just yet.
The Chicago Cubs had a decision to make regarding Addison Russell. His 40 game suspension for domestic violence was approaching the end, but there did not seem to be a spot for him on the major league roster. Javier Baez had performed well in his stead at short, and second base was being held down by a combination of Daniel Descalso, David Bote, and Ben Zobrist.
That decision was made on Thursday. Russell was placed on the 40 man roster, and optioned to AAA. This way, he will receive consistent at bats, and look to work himself back to the form that made him an intriguing prospect.
Addison Russell has been officially reinstated from restricted list & optioned to Iowa. Brandon Morrow transferred to 60-day IL to make room on 40-man. Cubs will have another 40-man decision to make tomorrow when Oscar De La Cruz is added to the 40 again after PED suspension
— Sahadev Sharma (@sahadevsharma) May 2, 2019
Even without his being placed on the restricted list, Russell would have needed to earn his way back on the roster. His 2018 campaign was a complete disappointment, as he set career lows in homers, doubles, runs, and OPS. HIs days of being a top prospect seemed long ago.
More from Call to the Pen
- Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals
It is possible that, away from the bright lights and the scrutiny he would receive from national media, Russell can find his way again in the batter’s box. 2016 was not that long ago, when it seemed that Russell was on the verge of becoming a solid shortstop, if not a perennial candidate for the All Star Game.
That production is still secondary. Russell needs to prove himself as a person first, especially to a Cubs front office that has taken a great deal of flak for even tendering him a contract this offseason. As that money could have been spent elsewhere, particularly on a somewhat shaky bullpen, Russell will need to be on his best behavior in Iowa.
At some point, Russell will be brought back to the major league level. Injuries happen, and players fall into slumps, necessitating a change. If Russell can get himself on track away from the spotlight of the media, he may be able to withstand that glare once he returns to Chicago.
For now, Addison Russell has been optioned to AAA. For both the Chicago Cubs and Russell, it is probably the right move.