MIAMI _ The Cubs quickly rescheduled Sunday's postponed game against the Angels for June 3, but it won't occur soon enough for suspended shortstop Addison Russell.
Russell's return from a 40-game suspension for violating Major League Baseball's domestic violence policy now won't occur until May 3 at the earliest, pending his completion of a mandated program and the Cubs' decision to activate him.
And that would line up Russell to return against the National League Central rival Cardinals at Wrigley Field instead of May 1 in a more subdued environment in Seattle.
Manager Joe Maddon admitted "a soft landing" in Seattle would have been "nice" for Russell, who served 12 games of his suspension at the end of the 2018 season. But Maddon believes Russell can handle any potential distractions.
Maddon communicated with Russell last weekend, adding "he's doing great."
And should Russell be reinstated by the Cubs, he would return to shortstop with Javier Baez moving to second, Maddon said.
The rescheduled game will be telecast by WGN-9 and start at 3:05 p.m., and tickets from the April 14 game will be honored. Mobile tickets via the MLB Ballpark app will automatically be updated with the rescheduled game information. The replica Wrigley Field Statue giveaway will be distributed to the first 10,000 early arriving fans.
Maddon was happy the game will be played sooner because of the potential threat for more rainouts. Last season the Cubs had a major league high nine postponements and a stretch of 30 consecutive scheduled game days from Aug. 21-Sept. 19.
"I think everyone learned a lesson," Maddon said.
