Cubs send Russell down
The Chicago Cubs optioned shortstop Addison Russell to Class AAA Iowa on Wednesday, about two months after he completed a suspension for violating Major League Baseball’s domestic violence policy.
The struggling Russell was sent down to make room for all-star catcher Willson Contreras, who was activated from the 10-day injured list. Chicago also scratched left-hander Jon Lester from his scheduled start against San Francisco because of illness. Right-hander Tyler Chatwood started in Lester’s place.
Russell is hitting .247 with six homers, 16 RBI and a .733 OPS in 55 games. He had a rough game Saturday against San Diego when he appeared to lose a pair of pop-ups in the sun and made multiple baserunning mistakes.
The 25-year-old was suspended 40 games by Major League Baseball last fall after a series of allegations made by ex-wife Melisa Reidy. The couple, who have one child together, divorced in August 2018. Russell said in February that he was accountable for his past actions and apologized for “the hurt and the pain” he caused.
Russell was eligible to return to the Cubs on May 3 following the completion of his suspension, but the team optioned him to the minors instead. Russell was called up from Iowa on May 8 and got a mostly chilly reception from fans at Wrigley Field in his return.
CYCLING
Two riders, including a teammate of defending Tour de France champion Geraint Thomas, have been kicked out of the race after they got into an altercation that both teams said was minor and unworthy of such a harsh penalty.
Cycling governing body UCI and race organizers said that Thomas’ Ineos teammate Luke Rowe and
Tony Martin, who rides in support of Jumbo-Visma leader Steven Kruijswijk, were disqualified.
The decision is a blow for both Thomas and Kruijswijk, who were respectively second and third in the overall standings behind race leader Julian
Alaphilippe ahead of three tough Alpine stages where they will need strong support.
Martin and Rowe appeared to shove each other close to the finish of the 200-kilometer Stage 17 to Gap in the Col de la Sentinelle. Martin shoulderbarged Rowe, who then chased him and pushed a hand on Rowe’s neck.
Rowe said it was just a battle for position, adding that he “shook hands” with Martin at the end of the stage.
SWIMMING
Federica Pellegrini began the countdown to the end of her stellar career in style.
The Italian defeated a field of younger competitors, minus ailing Katie Ledecky, to win the 200meter freestyle at the world swimming championships on Wednesday night.
Pellegrini, who turns 31 next month, is competing at her final worlds. She’s aiming to make a fifth Olympics in Tokyo next year before retiring. She overtook 18-year-old Australian Ariarne Titmus down the stretch to earn her fourth career gold – and record eighth consecutive medal – in her signature event. The Italian touched in 1 minute, 54.22 seconds.
Pellegrini joined Katinka Hosszu of Hungary and Sarah Sjostrom of Sweden as the only women to win an event at least four times at worlds.
BASEBALL
Don Mossi, a left-handed pitcher who won 101 games in over a decade as a major leaguer and was an all-star for the Cleveland Indians in 1957, has died. He was 90.
The Cremation Society of Idaho says Mossi died Friday in Nampa, Idaho.