MLB gives Cubs’ Russell 40-game suspension

Chicago Cubs infielder Addison Russell accepted a 40-game suspension Wednesday for violating Major League Baseball’s domestic violence policy after a series of allegations made by his ex-wife.

Commissioner Rob Manfred announced the ban and said MLB had completed its investigation into the accusations made by Melisa Reidy. Russell had denied the allegations, which Reidy detailed in a blog post in September.

Russell’s unpaid suspension includes the 11 regularseason games he missed after being placed on administrative leave Sept. 21. Russell will be eligible to return on May 3 against St. Louis, barring any postponements, and he will not appeal the suspension. He will also participate in an evaluation and treatment program.

Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein said he’s not sure what the odds are of Russell playing another game for the Cubs.

“Domestic violence is everyone’s problem,” he said. “Because of that, we all have an obligation to be part of the solution as well. The discipline in a case like this is part of the solution going forward and so we support Major League Baseball’s decision and we think it’s appropriate. But prevention is also a big part of the solution and maybe a more important solution.” EPSTEIN: MADDON TO RETURN >> Epstein said Joe Maddon will return for a fifth season as manager of the Cubs.

Epstein confirmed Maddon will stay on for at least the final year of his contract. Epstein said there are no ongoing discussions about an extension for Maddon.

Though he acknowledged some disagreements, Epstein said he has a “terrific” relationship with Maddon.

Maddon is 387-261-1 in four years with Chicago, including 95-68 this season. He has led the Cubs to the NLCS three times and a drought-busting World Series championship in 2016. ORIOLES FIRE SHOWALTER, DUQUETTE >> The Baltimore Orioles will continue their rebuilding project without Manager Buck Showalter and executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette, who were fired after the team finished with the worst record in the major leagues.

With Duquette procuring the talent and Showalter making it work on the field, Baltimore snapped a run of 14 straight losing seasons and made the playoffs in 2012, 2014 and 2016.

But the Orioles finished 75-87 in 2017, losing 19 of their final 23 games, and this year staggered through a 47-115 season, the worst since the team moved to Baltimore in 1954. BREWERS TURN TO BULLPEN TO OPEN NLDS >> Milwaukee manager Craig Counsell said he will open the National League Division Series against Colorado with a bullpen day on the mound.

The Rockies are turning to Antonio Senzatela to start Game 1 at Miller Park today. The right-hander is 6-6 with a 4.38 ERA in 23 games, including 13 starts.

Counsell said he hasn’t decided the order of relievers he’ll use in the series opener. The bullpen is a strength for the Brewers, who will have had two days’ rest after beating the Cubs on Monday in a tiebreaking game for the NL Central.

Meanwhile, the Dodgers are going with left-hander Hyun-Jin Ryu in Game 1 today against Atlanta. Clayton Kershaw will start Game 2 Friday.

Manager Dave Roberts said it allows both pitchers to have five days’ rest between starts.

DAVIS NOT ASSURED OF ROSTER SPOT >> Rajai Davis has his name cemented in October baseball lore. But it might not be on Cleveland’s playoff roster this year.

Indians manager Terry Francona has one spot left on his 25-man roster for the AL Division Series against Houston and it will go to either Davis or utility infielder Erik Gonzalez.

“We’re debating the last spot,” Francona said. “We’re going back and forth.”

The Indians will open the ALDS in Houston on Friday, and Francona must submit his roster that morning for the best-of-5 series.

QUALIFYING OFFER PRICE UP TO $17.9 MILLION >> The price of qualifying offers for Major League Baseball free agents will be $17.9 million this year. That figure is up from $17.2 million last year and $15.8 million the year before. It was determined by the average of the top 125 contracts this year by average annual value.

This year’s anticipated free agent class could include Bryce Harper, Manny Machado, Josh Donaldson, Brian Dozier, Daniel Murphy, Michael Brantley and Andrew McCutchen.