Addison Russell Injury: Updates on Cubs Star's Hamstring and Return

Chicago Cubs infielder Addison Russell was replaced by Javier Baez in Game 3 of the National League Division Series after suffering a hamstring injury. The Cubs announced Oct. 15 that Russell will miss the National League Championship Series against the New York Mets.

Continue for updates.

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Berry Replaces Russell on NLCS Roster

Saturday, Oct. 17

The Cubs announced outfielder Quintin Berry has taken Russell's place.

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Russell Comments on Injury

Tuesday, Oct. 13

Russell said he felt a "little grab" in the hamstring as he rounded the bases in the fourth inning, per Adam Berry of MLB.com.

"It feels fine now," Russell stated at the time, via Berry. "We're just going to wait and see how it goes overnight, come back in, I'll tell the trainers how I feel and we'll go from there."

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Cubs Defense Suffers Major Blow Without Russell 

While Baez is a capable replacement, this is a serious setback for Chicago. Not only is he the anchor of the team's infield defense at shortstop, but he also has a sparkling future ahead of him at only 21 years old.

Russell is a sure-handed fielder who covers plenty of ground and routinely turns in spectacular plays behind his pitchers. He posted 10 total defensive runs saved at shortstop and nine at second base this season, according to FanGraphs. He took over the starting shortstop role from Starlin Castro during the season largely because of that stellar defense.

Russell also mixes in occasional power and solid speed at the plate and hit 13 home runs in 142 games during his rookie season.

While Russell’s presence in the field and lineup is critical for Chicago’s potential long-term success in the playoffs, Maddon does have some pieces to fill the void. Castro was the starting shortstop on Opening Day and for the first half of the season, and Baez is a highly regarded prospect with power potential.

Chris Coghlan proved he is capable of handling second base on a regular basis earlier this season, when he switched there from the outfield to accommodate Russell’s move to short. He is a high-contact hitter who adds a left-handed threat to the lineup and solid power, and he can play second if Castro is at short.

Maddon also has Tommy La Stella at his disposal as a versatile option who can play nearly anywhere in the infield. Baez has experience at shortstop, and La Stella can cover second—which gives Chicago additional mix-and-match options in the lineup. 

Among Castro, Baez, La Stella and Coghlan in the middle infield, the Cubs should have enough to remain afloat without Russell for the short term. Still, the rookie was a major part of the winning equation on the North Side, and his team would be much better off with him in the field and at the dish.