Chicago Cubs: 3 takeaways from San Diego Padres series

Addison Russell had a pretty forgettable Saturday to say the least.

I’m not sure if Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon gave Addison Russell Sunday off or if it was a scheduled day off. Regardless, it was likely needed to send a message that his play on Saturday is not acceptable for a team in a pennant race. Honestly, his miscues shouldn’t be taken lightly on the worst team in baseball.

Russell had a day he’d like to forget as if he wasn’t under the microscope enough. It all started in the bottom of the second inning with runners at first and second and just 1 out. Albert Almora hit a hard smash to the left fielder and Russell had a blunder on the base paths. He was doubled off at second base and his terrible day was underway.

Moving ahead to the top of the third inning, Manuel Margot hit a pop-up to second base and Russell lost it in the sun. He didn’t call for help and the ball fell in for a hit. To the bottom of the fourth inning on a hard hit ball from Almora, Russell was thrown out at home on a ball he likely shouldn’t have been trying to score on.

Add in a tossed bat for a strikeout and another misplayed ball in the sun and Russell should have been pulled after his base running blunder. It’s been a major issues for the Cubs this season, who haven’t had the same discipline as seasons’ past under Joe Maddon.

The team has run themselves into outs on the base paths countless times this season and Saturday’s display by Addison Russell was no different. Add to that they already have 71 errors fielding balls this season which is on pace to shatter the 104 they committed last season. Maddon needs to hold his players accountable otherwise there’s no incentive to improve on the errors.