Cubs to option Addison Russell to Triple-A Iowa when 40-game suspension ends

Seattle — The Cubs informed shortstop Addison Russell that he will be optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Thursday, one day before he is eligible to rejoin the team following his 40-game suspension.

Cubs President Theo Epstein emphasized the team isn’t overlooking Russell’s rehabilitation as he nears the end of his punishment for violating Major League Baseball’s domestic violence policy.

“The decision to option him is clearly a baseball decision,” Epstein said Tuesday night before the Cubs played the Mariners. “I don’t want that to be misconstrued. Of course, there are other considerations. Indicating a willingness to bring him back to the big leagues when he’s ready from a baseball standpoint, that doesn’t mean he’s sort of at the finish line off the field.

“I stand by it. There’s no finish line. It’s a long-term process of the work he’s putting in to grow as a person.”

For now, the Cubs believe Russell, 25, needs more time to be ready to compete at the major-league level five weeks after his teammates departed spring training.

Russell is batting .250 in six games on a minor-league assignment with Iowa. The Cubs believe he needs more time to simulate a normal spring training, which means he could spend an additional two to three weeks with Iowa.

He will continue to split time at Iowa between second base and shortstop, his natural position that Javier Baez has handled deftly since Russell was placed on administrative leave on Sept. 21. Russell’s former wife, Melisa Reidy, said she was physically harmed by Russell, who was investigated immediately and suspended less than two weeks later.

Epstein informed Russell of the team’s plans.

“Every player wants to be in the big leagues,” Epstein said. “There might have been some disappointment that wasn’t happening immediately, but I think he understands where we’re coming from. With six games a lot less than what most guys have to get ready for the season. He understood.

“As far as the position goes, he wants be ready to help the team whenever he can.”

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Addison Russell strikes out in the third inning against the Marlins on May 8, 2019, at Wrigley Field. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)

Russell reached the majors in mid-April of 2015 as a second baseman before taking over at shortstop less than four months later. Russell played his first game at second for Iowa on Monday and did not commit an error.

“He’s more than capable of playing over there (at second),” said Epstein, stating that Russell’s range and versatility can enhance the defense and aid a pitching staff that relies heavily on inducing ground balls.

Manager Joe Maddon said the Cubs still need to monitor Russell’s work at second and shortstop and talk to Baez before making a firm decision, but all signs point to Baez remaining the full-time shortstop.

“We have not concluded anything 100 percent, but for right now you’d look to see Javy play more at shortstop,” Maddon said.

The Cubs will continue to monitor Russell’s work off the field.

“I do think it’s appropriate to note there has been progress, even as there’s a tremendous amount of work ahead for him,” Epstein said. “He’s put a lot of work in, as he’s needed to, talking to him and more important, talking to the people in his life.

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“They notice improvements, the way he’s handled himself in important situations and improvements in the relationships and the way he’s functioning as a father and partner. Those are all good signs.”

Epstein also was bewildered by reports Sunday that a media member was told by a team employee to portray Russell in a positive light.

“We believe in the freedom of the press, and this is certainly an issue where we expect to be strong opinions and people have the right to have those opinions and express however they want,” Epstein said. “We support that. We would never, ever, try to stifle freedom of the press or that type of free expression.

“I’m not calling that (report) into question, other than to say the threat of reprisal to a media member about any topic, especially one of this nature, is totally unacceptable. And I’d be really surprised if that happened with the Cubs. And if it did, I’d want to know who it was because they wouldn’t work for the Cubs much longer.

“That’s a fireable offense to try to threaten a media member because of unfavorable coverage, especially on a topic of this nature. If anyone wants to mention, by name, the person who did that, there would obviously be repercussions right away.”

mgonzales@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @MDGonzales

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