April 16--Chicago Cubs top prospect Kris Bryant will start at third base for Triple-A Iowa in the first game of a doubleheader Thursday night at New Orleans.
Thursday marks the 12th day that Bryant has not been on the major league roster, assuring the Cubs that Bryant won't be eligible for free agency until after the 2021 season.
Bryant could join the Cubs as soon as Friday, but there is another interesting development involving Iowa.
Shortstop Addison Russell will start the first game of the doubleheader at second base. The move is interesting because Javier Baez remains on bereavement leave following the passing of his sister, and Arismendy Alcantara is off to a 2-for-22 start with the Cubs and Tommy La Stella is on the 15-day disabled list.
Shortstop is Russell's natural position, although he has worked out at second in spring training and the Arizona Fall League. Russell is batting .296 with one home run and four RBIs at Iowa.
Chris Valaika will start at shortstop for Iowa.
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