Out for Game 4 of NLDS: Cardinals’ Molina, Cubs’ Russell

CHICAGO (AP) – Cubs shortstop Addison Russell has left Game 3 of the NL Division Series against the Cardinals due to tightness in his left hamstring. Maddon said he did not have an update on the severity of the injury and that the team was doing more tests to determine Russell’s availabilty for the rest of the playoffs. “I don’t know that yet, but I’m not counting on it”.

Javier Baez, who replaced Russell on Monday, will play short and bat ninth for the Cubs. “I thought it would be better to go out”. He’s had a few hamstring issues in the past, but said this one – which was only a Grade 1 strain – only rates as a one and a half or two on the pain scale, while a Grade 3 strain suffered a year ago rated as a 10.

Chicago Cubs’ Austin Jackson scores in front of St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina during the second inning of Game 2 in baseball’s National League Division Series Saturday, October 10, 2015, in St. Louis. Baez committed a throwing error in Game 3 and bobbled another ball on an infield hit. He hit 13 home runs and drove in 54 with a.242/.307/.389 slash line in 523 at-bats.

“I want the defense out there”, Maddon said.