June 07--WASHINGTON -- Despite not playing shortstop for the last four weeks after playing primarily second base for nearly two months, rookie Addison Russell hasn't lost his feel for his original position.
Russell started at shortstop Saturday for the first time since joining the Cubs and made two impressive plays in the final four innings of the 4-2 victory over the Nationals.
"It just felt normal," Russell said after subbing for Starlin Castro, who was given a rest after starting in the first 53 games. "The confidence was up. I was reading the ball off the bat very well and made a few plays and turned a double play. So, it was a good thing."
Russell started the double play in the sixth inning, and then he ranged far to his right and fired to second for the first out of the ninth.
Although several scouts believe Russell long-term future remains at second or even third base because of concerns about his throwing motion, Russell hasn't lost his natural instincts as shortstop, and he continues to take grounders there during batting practice.
It just feels good to be on that side of the field," said Russell, who last played short during the final three innings of a 12-4 loss at Milwaukee on May 9.
Soler update: Right fielder Jorge Soler expects to rejoin the Cubs when he's eligible to come off the 15-day disabled list June 18.
Much of the swelling in Soler's left ankle has subsided, as he sports a walking boot when he's not receiving treatment.
"I've improved a lot since I got hurt," Soler said.
Soler didn't believe he suffered additional damage after playing the final four innings of Monday night's game at Miami after hurting his ankle while lunging to first base in an attempt to beat out a grounder to third.
Extra innings: Anthony Rizzo extended his hitting streak to a career-high 11 games. ... Jonathan Herrera's RBI single in the ninth marked his first two-hit game of the season.
