The storyline that followed the Chicago Cubs and top MLB prospect Kris Bryant overshadowed a number of other happenings during the offseason. The eventual promotion of fellow prospect Addison Russell was one of them.
According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, the Cubs will call up Russell on Tuesday just a few days after the team promoted Bryant to play third base. The 21-year-old was getting reps at second base as of late, according to Patrick Mooney of CSN Chicago, and that's where he'll start off his major league career, reports FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal.
The Cubs ran into some injury and performance issues with a few of their infielders. Third baseman Mike Olt hit the disabled list with a fractured wrist; second baseman/third baseman Tommy La Stella also landed on the DL with a sore right side; third baseman Jonathan Herrera is batting .192 in 10 games; and second baseman/outfielder Arismendy Alcantara has a .077 batting average through 11 games.
This has led to the promotions of Bryant and Russell, which have perhaps come earlier than the team expected. President of baseball operations Theo Epstein previously said he likes to give prospects time to get in a rhythm in the minor leagues before promoting them for their major league debut. Bryant played seven games and Russell logged 11 games at Triple-A Iowa before getting the call.
Russell turned 21 just under three months ago and he is regarded as one of the best prospects in the MLB. Baseball America ranked the youngster as their No. 3 overall prospect heading into the 2015 and he was only behind Bryant and Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton. Russell further made his presence known during spring training, during which he batted .317/.349/.488 with six runs scored, one home run, six RBIs and two stolen bases in 13 games (43 plate appearances).
The Cubs acquired Russell in a trade with the Oakland Athletics last July that sent starters Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel to the West Coast. Oakland filled Russell's void with Marcus Semien and Franklin Barreto, but they're still missing out on one of the best prospects in baseball.
Look for Russell to get the start tonight against the Pittsburgh Pirates at 7:05 p.m. ET.
