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The Cubs placed shortstop Addison Russell on the 10-day disabled list Friday morning and recalled left-handed reliever Rob Zastryzny from Triple-A Iowa.
Russell has a minor foot injury. While Russell is out, Javier Baez will take over at shortstop.
This leaves the Cubs temporarily with a three-man bench, something I'm definitely not in favor of. As always, Joe Maddon has an explanation:
#Cubs Maddon said they wanted @RobZastryzny_8 rather an an extra infielder because bullpen has been overworked
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) August 4, 2017
I suppose that makes some sense especially given Thursday’s long rain-delayed game. But in the end I'd have to assume that Zastryzny will head back to Iowa in a couple of days, possibly before the upcoming road trip out west, and Tommy La Stella will join the team to give Joe an extra pinch hitter while Russell is out.
And, perhaps the Cubs want an extra lefty around with Bryce Harper in town.
Zastryzny has a 1-2 record and 6.67 ERA with one save in 10 appearances at Iowa this year, missing two months with a lat injury.