Shortstop Addison Russell underwent an MRI exam on his right foot Thursday after being examined by Cubs orthopedic physician Stephen Gryzlo.
The Cubs had no information on Russell's status, though he is likely to remain on the disabled list for quite a bit longer. He was planning to return this week but aggravated the injury while on rehab at Triple-A Iowa.
Mike Freeman, a 30-year-old infielder the Cubs signed when the Dodgers designated him for assignment three weeks ago, is expected to be called up from Iowa on Friday when rosters expand.
Freeman is a career .123 hitter in 41 major-league games and was hitting .306 at three Triple-A stops this year. With Russell's return date unknown, Freeman could be Javier Baez's primary backup at short.
Manager Joe Maddon said Ben Zobrist, who played short in the ninth inning of Wednesday's blowout, is the current backup. Until then, Baez had played every inning at short since Russell went on the DL on Aug. 3.
"We've got to get 'Zo' to become acclimated there, but we also have other ideas that maybe we can reveal (Friday or Saturday)," Maddon said.
Maddon said it would not be "impossible" to see Kris Bryant play short but added, "He's just not used to that." Ian Happ has taken grounders at short but also is a long shot.
"We're talking about a pretty important time of the year," Maddon said.
Maddon reiterated Baez will go back to second when Russell returns, though he'll still get time at short when Russell sits.
Other call-ups Friday will be reliever Dillon Maples and catcher Victor Caratini. Justin Grimm will be activated from the DL.
