Cubs Calling Up Addison Russell

If you had April 20 (since it's not midnight Central time yet) in the "When's Addison Russell coming up?" pool, you win, says Jon Heyman of CBS Sports:

Top Cubs shortstop prospect Addison Russell is being called up to the majors, sources told CBSSports.com.

Russell will join top slugging prospect Kris Bryant, who was called up only Friday and is already making an impact with three RBI Monday night against Pittsburgh.

Russell, who will be one of the youngest players in the majors at 21, will add to the stir on the North Side, where the talented young team has begun 7-5. Cubs manager Joe Maddon said the club is playing with "verve" after beating the Pirates on Monday.

This management group isn't wasting time, apparently. I didn't think Russell would be brought to the major leagues after playing just 14 games in Triple-A, but it seems Theo & Co. think he's ready. There's been no official word from the team yet, but it would seem likely that Arismendy Alcantara, who has struggled mightily at the plate so far this year, might get sent down. Or, perhaps, the Cubs will dump the eighth relief pitcher in favor of having an extra bench bat, especially since Mendy can play the outfield as well.

I'd expect Russell to start at second base when he arrives for his first big-league game at Pittsburgh Tuesday night. That would push Jonathan Herrera to a bench role, something he seems fairly well-suited for. Remember that Russell is a fine defensive shortstop so he'd become Starlin Castro's backup there.

Much more on this during the day tomorrow, I'd presume. (And, obviously, my take on when Russell would be brought to the major leagues was way wrong.)