SAN FRANCISCO — The Cubs optioned struggling infielder Addison Russell to Class AAA Iowa on Wednesday to make room on the roster for catcher Willson Contreras, the team announced.
Meanwhile, pitcher Jon Lester was scratched from his afternoon start today because he was feeling ill. Tyler Chatwood will fill in for Lester.
Jon Lester has been scratched from his start due to illness. Here is today's #Cubs lineup.
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) July 24, 2019
Stream on @NBCSChicago: https://t.co/rGCuW1XI7C pic.twitter.com/iYevxEPl1u
After a sloppy weekend display at Wrigley Field by Russell, manager Joe Maddon didn’t hide his frustration. Russell, 25, was hitting .247 (36-for-146) with six home runs and 16 RBI in 55 games.
Russell rejoined the Cubs in early May after completing a 40-game suspension for violating Major League Baseball’s Domestic Abuse policy when his ex-wife detailed alleged abuse with MLB officials.
Contreras, 27, was activated from the 10-day injury list and will start today against the Giants. He had been sidelined because of a right foot strain. He is batting .286 (75-for-262) with 14 doubles, 19 homers and 55 RBI in 78 games this season.
Lester will likely get dropped into a start Sunday that tentatively was being considered for Cole Hamels’ return. Hamels likely to get another rehabilitation start before rejoining the Cubs.
Chatwood makes the start today as the Cubs try to reverse their road slide. They have lost 16 of their last 21 games on the road, including the first two of a nine-game trip that started in San Francisco, where they have lost 12 of their last 16.
