Russell goes on DL with strained foot
Cubs shortstop Addison Russell had “kept quiet’’ about the soreness in his right foot.
“It’s been bothering him noticeably the last few days, and he talked to me about it today,’’ manager JoeMaddon said Friday, when the Cubs put Russell on the 10- day disabled list with what is being called a strained right foot.
Russell had kept trainers advised of the soreness.
“I don’t know if it affected his last couple throws [ fielding], but we thought it best to get it settled down right now,’’ Maddon said.
Tests have shown no serious injury.
The team’s other concern is its taxed pitching staff, which is the reason left- handed reliever Rob Zastryzny was recalled instead of another infielder.
“The pitching got a little beat up the last few days, so we have to protect the bullpen in case something might happen,’’ he said.
The Cubs now have nine relievers on the roster.
Nightmoves
The Cubs won’t be getting more night games anytime soon, with city officials flatly against the team’s appeals to amend the agreement allowing up to 43 night games per season. That disappoints Mad don. “We play way too many day games during the week,’’ he said, arguing the day games at home compared to mostly night games on the road make it difficult for players to get their rest at home.
“It’s no big secret. It matters. It’d be great if we could get into a more conventional number of [ day] games,” he said, adding that day games on weekends and holidays would be sufficient.
“I’m not complaining. We did all right last year, after all. But I just think it’s a better method.’’
Walkways
Carl Edwards Jr. has seen his walk total increase sharply the last two months, though the slender right- hander is holding opponents to a .121 average and has struck out 63 in 44 innings.
But he walked eight in June after walking eight in April and May combined. He walked 10 in July and has 29 for the season.
Maddon lifted him in the eighth inning Thursday against the Diamondbacks after he walked the two batters he faced. He pitched in the eighth Friday against the Nationals and walked the first man he faced.
“He’s given up only two hits the last 10 days. It’s about the walks with him,’’ Maddon said. “It’s command issues.’’
The velocity on Edwards’ pitches was down somewhat, but Maddon isn’t overly concerned.
“His stuff is still outstanding, and healthwise he’s fine. We can fix it. It’s a self- confidence issue. He’s still one of the best young relievers out there.’’
Offto Hollywood
Right- hander Dylan Floro, whom the Cubs designated for assignment this week, was claimed by the Dodgers.