Chicago Cubs: With Addison Russell’s return, club has options moving forward
By Logan Whaley
Chicago Cubs: Finding a place to fit in
The addition of Daniel Murphy poses a problem concerning how Russell will fit in moving forward. Joe Maddon wants Russell to get into the lineup, and more than likely, Russell will become a platoon player, filling in for both Murphy and Báez.
Russell’s return gives Maddon the opportunity to deploy him on any given day to alleviate any possibility of injury concern for Murphy and Báez. As Russell is also a right-handed hitter, Maddon can play matchups on a day-to-day basis, allowing for the best possible situation on any given day.
Murphy spent the first part of 2018, totaling 63 games, on the disabled list due to recovery from right knee surgery, which happened in October of last year. The team needs his bat as they careen toward the postseason, making it that much more critical that Addison Russell is healthy and ready to be productive once again.