SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs have optioned shortstop Addison Russell to Triple-A Iowa about two months after he completed a suspension for violating Major League Baseball’s domestic violence policy.
Russell was sent down to make room for catcher Willson Contreras, who was activated from the 10-day injured list. Chicago also scratched left-hander Jon Lester from his scheduled start Wednesday against San Francisco because of illness. Right-hander Tyler Chatwood was set to start in Lester’s place.
Russell is hitting .247 with six homers and a .733 OPS in 55 games. The 25-year-old was suspended last fall after a series of allegations made by ex-wife Melisa Reidy.
Lester (9-6) was slated to make his 400th career start but wasn’t feeling well when he woke up.
“He’s not feeling good, man,” Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. “He’s got a fever and he just couldn’t fight through it.”
Chatwood is 4-1 with a 4.30 ERA.
Contreras had been out since July 14 with a right foot strain.
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