CHICAGO _ Friday was supposed to be the day Addison Russell returned from his 40-game suspension for violating Major League Baseball's domestic violence policy.
Instead he's in Omaha, Neb., after being optioned Thursday to Triple-A Iowa after finishing a seven-day minor league assignment.
Iowa starts a series at Omaha Friday.
There is no timetable for Russell's return, though spring training usually consists of three weeks of games, and he's basically one week into his second spring.
Manager Joe Maddon Friday said he has texted with Russell recently but has not spoken to him.
What does Russell have to do to show he's ready to play again?
"Just more at-bats, just to go out and play," Maddon said. "When you have been through what he's been through and the awkwardness of their preparation to get here. ... Guys right now, they're not in midseason form but guys are pretty much advanced, and we just want to make sure he's ready to play here. Get you at-bats, get your reps, make sure you're not sore, how is the arm playing ... everything in the whole game.
"It's actually about being fair to him, too, to make sure he's ready to go by the time he gets back up here. It's not far off from what I understand. Actually I've heard some good things, but typically everybody wants to rush things. When you don't have to rush things I think it's a better method."
Russell was hitting .217 through his first seven games at Iowa with one home run and seven RBIs in 23 at-bats. He's getting acclimated at second again after moving to short full-time in 2015, and is playing both positions at Iowa.
The Cubs could bring Russell back near the end of this 10-game homestand, or wait until they go on the road where there would be less media scrutiny. Or it could be farther down the road if he doesn't look ready.
"I don't think it's really going to matter, quite frankly," Maddon said. "Everything has been out there. The conversations, his press conference in spring training, all the stuff that's been laid out (for him). It's been easy to follow. The speed of news today, there's nothing to be hidden.
"I think regardless of where we play or when he's ready to go, he'll be fine."
