Cubs shortstop Addison Russell leaves game after being hit in head by pitch in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE — In the span of two days at Miller Park, the Cubs went from two All-Star shortstops to none as they try desperately to stay in playoff position down the stretch.

Addison Russell left Sunday’s game in the third inning, a half-inning after being hit in the head by a pitch from Adrian Houser.

The severity of his condition was not immediately known.

Russell, who was attended to by a Cubs trainer and two members of the Brewers’ medical staff for several minutes, appeared dazed but stayed in the game just long enough to run the bases.

The pitch struck Russell at the bill of his helmet, near his left eye, spinning the helmet off his head as he fell to the ground, where he remained for minutes.

After persuading the medical team he could remain in the game, he stole second on the next pitch and then scored on the next play (a single and error).

He did not take the field when the inning ended, David Bote instead moving from third base to short.

The frightening incident came one day after starting shortstop Javy Baez was diagnosed with a hairline fracture in his left thumb, likely ending his regular season.