Addison Russell booed as he returns to Wrigley from domestic violence suspension

The boos drowned out the smattering of applause as Addison Russell stepped into the batter’s box Wednesday night at Wrigley Field for the first time since serving his 40-game domestic-violence suspension that began last year.

By the time he struck out leading off the third inning against the Marlins, the boos increased. And the crowd of 30,000-plus on a damp, cool night was at full-throated attention when he stepped in with two runners on base in the fourth, loudly booing before and after Russell grounded out to end the inning.

“He should expect to face adversity along the way, and he doesn’t deserve to be met with an unconditionally warm welcome and with open arms,” team president Theo Epstein acknowledged during a pregame news conference to address the Cubs’ decision to recall Russell from the minors less than a week after optioning him to Class AAA when his suspension expired.

“I think he will receive an appropriate response, and that’s something that he needs to take responsibility for, to process, to handle the right way and to grow from,” Epstein said. “It’s all part of the process. I think he knows it’s a long road back to earn people’s trust, whether that’s the organization, most importantly the people in his life on a daily basis, his teammates and then the fans.”

Whether that ever happens and whatever comes next for Russell, the controversial promotion Wednesday was six months in the making, and six days earlier than the club anticipated.

Epstein said the club originally targeted Russell’s return Tuesday in Cincinnati. Russell started at second base and batted eighth Wednesday.

But Ben Zobrist’s request for an undetermined leave of absence to deal with a personal family matter created a roster need, and Russell’s timeline was moved up.

Regardless, Epstein said, “this is not the finish line, but it’s the next step for him” as Russell continues therapy and a monitored, personal program that remains a stipulation for staying in good standing with the team.

Russell, whose 12-minute session with the media on Wednesday was less scripted and stiff than his first session in February as spring training opened, said he’s focused on “small goals” involving his relationships and baseball — knowing the first-day boos could be only the beginning of blowback on the field that has been constant on social media since the Cubs decided to keep him last fall.

“I’m here. I know that they’re going to think and say whatever they want to say, and they’re entitled to that,” Russell said of those who think he shouldn’t be with the team anymore. “And I respect them for that. The thing is I’m here and I have an opportunity to help this team win.”

For teammates who spent all of spring training around Russell, including an address to the group and private conversations about his suspension and work off the field, his return seemed to represent little distraction beyond extra media questions.

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“It’s going to be seamless for us,” Jason Heyward said. “I don’t know about for y’all. We’ve got baseball to play.”

Said Albert Almora Jr.: “In spring training, we all were working our butts off learning a lot more about this situation [through team training sessions], and he kept working at it. It’s all we can ask. Right now we’re not thinking about that.”

Beyond expecting to play second base instead of shortstop for now, Russell’s “conditional second chance” remains a work in progress, and will be for as long as he is with the team.

Epstein said he is confident that progress has been made “to this point” through his intimate involvement in Russell’s off-the-field work, including conversations with his ex-wife and others in his inner circle.

“I know that I’m making great strides,” Russell said. “I know it’s a long road ahead and there is no finish line, but I’m committed to this.”