The News
Saturday 07 of December 2024

Cubs option Russell, scratch Lester, bring Contreras off IL


AP Photo, Addison Russell, Yasiel Puig,Chicago Cubs second baseman Addison Russell, right, throws out Cincinnati Reds' Phillip Ervin at first after forcing out Yasiel Puig at second during the eighth inning of a baseball game in Chicago, Wednesday, July 17, 2019. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
AP Photo, Addison Russell, Yasiel Puig,Chicago Cubs second baseman Addison Russell, right, throws out Cincinnati Reds' Phillip Ervin at first after forcing out Yasiel Puig at second during the eighth inning of a baseball game in Chicago, Wednesday, July 17, 2019. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs have optioned shortstop Addison Russell to Triple-A Iowa about two months after he completed a suspension for violating Major League Baseball’s domestic violence policy.

Russell was sent down to make room for catcher Willson Contreras, who was activated from the 10-day injured list. Chicago also scratched left-hander Jon Lester from his scheduled start Wednesday against San Francisco because of illness. Right-hander Tyler Chatwood was set to start in Lester’s place.

Russell is hitting .247 with six homers and a .733 OPS in 55 games. The 25-year-old was suspended last fall after a series of allegations made by ex-wife Melisa Reidy.

Lester (9-6) was slated to make his 400th career start but wasn’t feeling well when he woke up.

“He’s not feeling good, man,” Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. “He’s got a fever and he just couldn’t fight through it.”

Chatwood is 4-1 with a 4.30 ERA.

Contreras had been out since July 14 with a right foot strain.

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