Cubs rookie Addison Russell started at shortstop for Starlin Castro against the San Francisco Giants on Friday, and it looks like manager Joe Maddon made the right decision.
Russell had two impressive plays at shortstop that made Cubs fan forget about Castro.
In the top of the 2nd inning, Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford attempted stealing on Cubs catcher David Ross. The veteran catcher’s throw was off line, but Russell saved the play and applied the tag for an out.
Gotcha. pic.twitter.com/qSh4Rk7o34
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) August 7, 2015
Then in the top of the 7th inning, Crawford hit a ground ball back to Cubs pitcher Jon Lester, and the Cubs pitcher tried to turn the double play with Russell. Lester almost threw the ball away, but Russell rescued the throw and turned the double play.
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The play was reviewed because Giants manager Bruce Bochy didn’t believe Russell’s foot was on the bag, but the play stood.
Reviewed because Russell might have lost the bag to dig out Lester's throw. #cubs
— Brian Sandalow (@BrianSandalow) August 7, 2015
Shortstop Addison Russell incredible save of bad Jon Lester throw at second, turns DP. Man, that guy's good.
— John Shea (@JohnSheaHey) August 7, 2015
Maddon said Russell could make more starts in the future for the struggling Castro, who has a team-high 20 errors this season.
#Cubs Maddon: "Addison is the shortstop today. He could be the shortstop tomorrow "
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) August 7, 2015
