Cubs Option Struggling Infielder Addison Russell to Triple-A
By Parker White
This could be very well be the last time you see troubled infielder Addison Russell in a Chicago Cubs uniform.
Not only did he admit after his poor showing on Saturday against the San Diego Padres that he needs to do a better job of knowing his own team's signs, but he's struggled mightily in general this season. And today, he's been optioned to Triple-A Iowa after the Cubs activated catcher Willson Contreras off the injured list.
The #Cubs today activated catcher Willson Contreras from the 10-day IL.
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) July 24, 2019
INF Addison Russell was optioned to Triple-A Iowa. pic.twitter.com/4Cy3GlXUot
In 55 games this season (146 at-bats), Russell is slashing .247/.329/.404 with 6 home runs and 16 RBI. On top of the poor offensive production, Russell has been a liability defensively and on the base paths.
With the Cubs only a half-game up on the St. Louis Cardinals in the NL Central, they can't afford to have this guy around any longer, to say nothing of his checkered past concerning domestic violence allegations.
Addison Russell gave us a whole highlight reel of why he shouldn't be playing Major League Baseball (aside from......YANOW.... THE OBVIOUS) pic.twitter.com/nwPemNYW54
— HULK HOGAN, WE STILL COMING FOR YOU NIGGA (@HennyLofton__) July 20, 2019
Russell looked like a budding star in 2016, but his bat has rapidly declined and he hasn't been squeaky clean off the field. The Cubs should've seriously considered cutting bait with Russell after his huge suspension was made official last fall, and now that he can't play at a high level, they have no use for him. It's time to move on.