SAN FRANCISCO – The Chicago Cubs optioned shortstop Addison Russell to Class AAA Iowa on Wednesday, about two months after he completed a suspension for violating Major League Baseball's domestic violence policy.
The struggling Russell was sent down to make room for All-Star catcher Willson Contreras, who was activated from the 10-day injured list. The NL Central leaders also scratched lefthander Jon Lester from his scheduled start against San Francisco (illness). Righthander Tyler Chatwood started in Lester's place in a game the Cubs won 4-1.
Russell is hitting .247 with six homers, 16 RBI and a .733 OPS in 55 games. He had a rough game Saturday against San Diego when he appeared to lose a pair of pop-ups in the sun and made multiple baserunning mistakes.
The 25-year-old was suspended 40 games by Major League Baseball last fall after a series of allegations made by ex-wife Melisa Reidy. The couple, who have one child together, divorced in August 2018. Russell said in February that he was accountable for his past actions.
"This is good for him," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. "We need to get him back to the player that he had been."
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