MIAMI — A recurring shoulder problem that dates back at least a year flared up again Sunday and forced Cubs shortstop Addison Russell out the game against the Marlins in the fourth inning.
Russell, who was out of the lineup for three games in mid-May because of the issue, has received periodic treatment and therapy throughout the season to manage the pain, which he describes as a ‘‘sharp, pinching pain at the front of the shoulder.’’
Manager Joe Maddon said he doesn’t expect Russell to start in the opener of a four-game series Monday against the National League East-leading Nationals in Washington. And Russell sounded as though he might miss more than one game.
‘‘Over these next couple of days, I think it’s just going to be day-to-day,’’ said Russell, who wasn’t sure he would have an MRI exam this time around. ‘‘I’m going to pay attention to getting some treatment; that’s No. 1, for sure. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with my shoulder, but I definitely want to make sure, so I have that ease of mind.’’
Russell, who also has been dealing with off-the-field issues involving divorce proceedings and a third-party accusation of domestic violence via social media, was bothered by the shoulder at times last season and again in spring training.
‘‘But it’s never been debilitating,’’ said Maddon, who indicated he doesn’t anticipate the problem growing into something that forces a position change to second base. ‘‘It’s just something that requires a little bit of rest, and then he’s fine again.
‘‘I just think it’s something he will overcome with time as he gets more mature as a baseball player.’’
Russell, the NL’s starting shortstop in the All-Star Game last season, slumped for more than two months before going on a 15-for-44 streak — including four home runs and 10 RBI — in his last 13 games. He said the shoulder doesn’t bother him when he swings.
Follow me on Twitter @GDubCub.
Email: gwittenmyer@suntimes.com
RELATED STORIES
After split in Miami, how prepared are Cubs for Nationals exposure?
Cubs’ Kyle Hendricks throws pain-free, eyes mid-July return from DL
