Cubs shortstop Addison Russell, entering the final stages of his 40-game suspension, will start an assignment with Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday.
Russell, who accepted the suspension for violating Major League Baseball's domestic violence policy, has spent the last four weeks in extended spring training. He served the first 12 games of his suspension in September after his ex-wife, Melisa Reidy, detailed allegations of abuse on her blog.
The Cubs placed Russell on administrative leave, and an MLB investigation led to the suspension, which was announced one day after the Cubs were eliminated in the National League wild-card game.
Russell participated in spring training and batted .382 (13 for 34), and manager Joe Maddon said Russell would return to the starting shortstop role if he completed his obligations _ which included meeting with counselors and therapists _ and the team reinstated him. That could occur May 3 against the Cardinals at Wrigley Field.
Russell received only a smattering of boos when he made his spring training debut Feb. 24 at Scottsdale Stadium.
Russell, 25, has batted .242 with 51 home runs over four seasons with the Cubs.
