Cubs roster move: Willson Contreras activated, Addison Russell optioned to Iowa

Willson Contreras was placed on the injured list July 16 (retroactive to July 14) with a minor strain in his right foot.

At the time, it was stated that this was minor:

Contreras’ nerves were eased Tuesday after a foot specialist reassured him the injury is only a bruise that should heal in time for him to return as soon as July 24.

“It’s not something to worry about,” Contreras said.

Contreras said he will be able to resume all baseball activities by Friday and plans to insert an orthotic insole in his cleat.

He said he coped with a similar injury several years ago, which he believed stemmed from a combination of new cleats and a hard surface.

“If it was (my choice), I’d be playing today,” Contreras said. “But you’ve got to be smart. It’s July and I know the team needs me. I’ll be cheering for them right now.”

And so, today, the first day he was eligible to return, he’s being activated:

I don’t think it can be overstated how much Contreras means to this team, both offensively and defensively. He’s having the best-hitting season of his career. The Cubs are 5-4 since he was placed on the injured list, and they definitely have missed his bat over the last few days.

Addison Russell was called out by Joe Maddon for some misplays over the weekend, so perhaps this is no surprise. It does leave the Cubs without a true backup shortstop, so perhaps the team is looking for one in the trade market. I wouldn't expect Russell back before September.

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