Bonifacio, 30, was released Aug. 18 by the White Sox after batting .167 in 47 games. In 2014, he batted .279 for the Cubs before he was traded to the Braves in July.
"Speed plays," Maddon said. "When you have the expanded rosters, you can be really specific for what you're looking for."
• Addison Russell was expected at AT&T Park in time for Tuesday's game. The rookie shortstop was in Chicago to be with his fiancee, Melisa Reidy, for the birth of their son, Aiden Kai Margallo Russell. The time off came at the right moment as far as Maddon is concerned.