Oct. 13--Manager Joe Maddon didn't know the results of an MRI performed on the left hamstring of Addison Russell, but Maddon was pessimistic that the Chicago Cubs' prized shortstop would be ready if they had to play a fifth and deciding game of the National League Division Series at St. Louis on Thursday.
"I would think that if he had to come out of the game, I'd be hard-pressed to believe he would be ready for (Thursday)," Maddon said Tuesday. "I don't know that yet, but I'm not counting on it.''
Russell hurt his leg stretching a double into a triple in the bottom of the fourth inning Monday night and was pulled.
Maddon reinforced his support for Javier Baez, Russell's replacement who committed an error Monday.
"He's so good, but he's never been thrust in that moment before," Maddon said. "I have all the confidence in the world in him.
"He's an outstanding defender. He's a well-above average defender at third, short or second. He's very good. I really anticipate a good game out of him on defense."
