Addison Russell makes two impressive plays against Giants

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.

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.

Maddon said Russell could make more starts in the future for the struggling Castro, who has a team-high 20 errors this season.