This year is looking like the Cubs’ best shot at a World Series title since Steve Bartman trampled on the souls of the entire city of Chicago in 2003. But now, they’re going to have to make it through at least the next round of the postseason without one of their key young talents.
On Thursday, manager Joe Maddon announced that 21-year-old shortstop Addison Russell has been ruled out of the entire NL Championship Series against the winner of Dodgers-Mets due to a hamstring strain.
Per @CubsJoeMadd, Addison Russell will not participate in the #NLCS. #Cubs
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) October 15, 2015
Per Patrick Mooney of CSN Chicago, Maddon reported the strain to be mild-to-moderate and remained hopeful that Russell would be available to play in the World Series, should the Cubs advance that far.
Joe Maddon called the injury a mild/moderate hamstring strain and hoped Addison Russell would be ready if #Cubs advance to World Series.
— Patrick Mooney (@CSNMooney) October 15, 2015
Russell’s offensive talents are still developing. During the regular season, he hit 13 home runs and 54 RBIs on a slash line of .242/.307/.389. He went 3-for-12 in the postseason before suffering the hamstring injury in Game 3 of the NLDS trying for a triple. But where the Cubs will really miss his production is on the defensive end with his borderline-elite glove in the middle infield.
Fellow youngster Javier Baez will continue to fill in for Russell at short. The 22-year-old slugger has performed admirably in the two games since taking over Russell’s spot in the lineup, racking up four hits including what wound up being a decisive three-run homer in the Game 4 NLDS clincher against the Cardinals. While Baez does give up a lot on defense (he made a throwing error just innings after replacing Russell in Game 3), the impact of his bat is enough that going from Russell to Baez could be a net positive for the Cubs as they move into their first NLCS in over a decade.
Image Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
