CHICAGO _ After watching Addison Russell show some signs of rust in his return to the Cubs on Wednesday night, manager Joe Maddon acknowledged that the infielder will have an "ease-in" process.
"From what I saw, he still needs the work in some areas," Maddon said of Russell, who didn't start Thursday in the series finale against the Marlins at Wrigley Field. "I don't think he was totally accomplished at the plate. But even if he's not, he's still attractive in the latter part of the game defensively too. He looked fine catching the throwing."
Russell went 0 for 3 with a strikeout Wednesday in his first major league game since late last season in the Cubs' 3-2 win in 11 innings. He served a 40-game suspension for violating Major League Baseball's domestic violence policy, a ban that ended last week.
The Cubs called up Russell from Triple-A Iowa one week sooner than planned because Ben Zobrist was granted a leave of absence and placed on the restricted list to attend to a family matter. Russell played in 12 games for Iowa.
Maddon anticipates Russell will spend extra time working with hitting coaches Anthony Iapoce and Terrmel Sledge. Russell is likely to return to the lineup Friday against Brewers left-hander Gio Gonzalez.
Russell could start at shortstop sometime after Monday's day off, which would give Javier Baez his first break. Baez has started at short in the Cubs' first 35 games, and they are in the midst of playing 26 games in 27 days, including 16 consecutive beginning Tuesday.
"I'm already thinking about that," Maddon said. "(Kris Bryant) looks pretty strong to me right now. So does (Anthony) Rizzo, and I think Javy is, but Javy is the guy playing shortstop. Even though KB is bouncing around, there's something about him. If he's hitting, leave him alone. Keep playing him.
"I just want to watch Javy. Now that Addison is here, he may need a day at shortstop, just to keep him solvent over there. I'm looking at the trip coming up."
The trip begins Tuesday against the Reds, followed by a three-game series against the Nationals next weekend. All six are night games.
Meanwhile, infielder Daniel Descalso (sore left ankle) might not return until Saturday at the earliest. Catcher Victor Caratini (left hand) remains on a minor league rehab assignment with Class- A South Bend.
