Theo Epstein announced that the Cubs will option Addison Russell to Triple-A Iowa after his 40-game suspension for violating MLB’s domestic violence policy ends. Russell was eligible to return May 3, but if he comes up it won’t be for at least a couple more weeks. The conversation about what will happen with Russell when he comes back has ultimately ended with the conclusion that there’s no way the Cubs will move Javier Báez from shortstop.
Then, on Tuesday night Báez showed why he won’t be moving from shortstop anytime soon.
Really the only argument you can have about Russell getting more playing time at short is because he’s shown to have incredible range since making his MLB debut in 2015. But guess what, Báez keeps getting better and despite an error against the Mariners that led to a run he made more than a few plays that saved the Cubs in Seattle.
Range? Báez has it.
The footwork? That too.
That double play was the first of three that Báez was a part of in huge spots for the Cubs, as they were in a tight game against the Mariners.
David Bote also had an error earlier in the game, but like Báez, he redeemed himself, starting a 5-6-3 double play in the eighth.
And once again on that play Báez showed off his impressive foot work at second and fired across in plenty of time to get Dee Gordon.
Then, in the ninth inning, Báez did it again. His arm has always been better than Russell’s and he made another play that you can’t really count on Russell making.
Báez has a cannon.
There’s just no way the Cubs put Russell back at shortstop other than to give Báez a day off once in a while.
El Mago is the starting shortstop for the Cubs and it should stay that way for a long time.
