CHICAGO -- An MRI revealed that Addison Russell aggravated the plantar faciitis in his right foot and the Cubs shortstop will be sidelined another three weeks, the team announced late Thursday.
Without Russell, the Cubs will be counting on Javier Baez, who has taken over the starting shortstop duties.
"It's about just getting [Russell] ready," manager Joe Maddon said after the Cubs' 6-2 win over the Braves at Wrigley Field. "We don't know how this is going to play out. He's injured, we're getting him well and once he's well, we'll make that determination. There's nothing to project except to get him well."
Russell was scratched from a Minor League rehab start with Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday night in Memphis because he experienced some pain in his right foot. He returned to Chicago on Thursday and was examined by orthopedic specialist Dr. Stephen Gryzlo.
"It's always next man up," third baseman Kristopher Bryant said. "[On Friday], we'll see some new faces here and reinforcements [with the callups]. It is unfortunate, Addison being hurt. I know he wants to be on the field and he's doing all he can to get on the field, but sometimes injuries nag on and you don't want to hurt it any worse. Javy has stepped up and played great since he went down and that's been awesome."
This latest setback will influence who the Cubs add on Friday when Major League teams can expand their rosters. Infielder Mike Freeman, 30, who signed with the Cubs as a free agent on Aug. 6 and was playing at Iowa, was expected to be added. He played briefly for the Mariners and the Dodgers this year, and was batting .273 in 23 games with Iowa.
Russell has been sidelined since Aug. 3 with a right foot strain and the Cubs were optimistic he'd return this weekend. He went 1-for-3 with a double on Monday playing for Iowa in his only rehab game.
Maddon said veteran Benjamin Zobrist will get some work at shortstop.
"We have to keep Javy well and I have to protect him and get 'Zo' over there, too, and whatever else we may choose to do," Maddon said. "My biggest concern is Javy moving through September. Without Addison, that's a difficult thought."