Chicago Cubs: Addison Russell scratched from lineup with right shoulder soreness

Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell has been scratched from Wednesday’s lineup with right shoulder soreness. Should there be a reason for concern?

As long as the weather cooperates, the Chicago Cubs will close their three-game set with the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on Wednesday.

When Joe Maddon’s lineup was originally released, Addison Russell was posted at his usual shortstop position. However, about two hours later, the lineup was adjusted without Russell. It also included a note added that the Cubs shortstop was scratched from the lineup due to right shoulder soreness.

While this injury is not expected to be serious, it is obviously less than ideal. Maddon has been extremely careful with his players early in the season, getting them out of the lineup if even the smallest discomfort comes up. Hopefully, this is nothing more than that.

Russell is a gold glove caliber defensive shortstop who is also an important part of the Cubs’ lineup. He is only hitting .227/.293/.359 on the young season, but the 23-year-old Russell is clearly one of the most talented players on a loaded Cubs’ roster. Losing him for any period time would hurt, but it would not cripple the Chicago Cubs.

Javier Baez is primarily playing second base these days but he is certainly talented enough to handle shortstop duties. You never want to lose quality players like Russell, but with their extreme position player depth, the Cubs could still put out a strong lineup every day without him.

Baez at shortstop would mean more of Ben Zobrist at second base. It would also mean more Kris Bryant in the outfield, especially with Jason Heyward on the disabled list. Bryant in the outfield could open up an opportunity for Jeimer Candelario at third base, giving him more of a chance to prove himself at the major league level.

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Russell does not appear to be seriously injured and will likely be right back in the mix over the weekend. But even if he is not, don’t panic. The Cubs have the depth to deal with situations like these extremely well.