Though Theo Epstein said recently that nothing has been decided in terms of Addison Russell‘s return to the Cubs, all indications to this point have been that he’ll be back on Friday. The infielder has been in Iowa to rehab at Triple-A during the final week of his 40-game domestic violence suspension, during which time Javy Báez has further establish himself as a star.
Because Russell still has minor league options available, the Cubs could keep him in Iowa and postpone the inevitable media firestorm that will follow his activation. Or they could just board up the windows and brace for the bad weather that has resulted from Russell’s despicable behavior and the club’s choice to keep him around.