Cubs' Addison Russell To Miss NLCS With Hamstring Injury

(CBS) Cubs rookie shortstop Addison Russell will miss the entire NLCS with a hamstring injury, manager Joe Maddon said Thursday.

Russell suffered the injury while legging out a triple in the fourth inning of Game 3 in the NLDS. He didn't play in Game 4. Maddon termed the hamstring strain as mild to moderate and holds out hope that Russell can play if the Cubs advance to the World Series.

"He might be available at that time," Maddon said. "But for sure, not this one."

Javier Baez -- who hit a game-changing three-run homer in the NLDS clincher against the Cardinals -- will be the primary option at shortstop for the Cubs in the NLCS, with Starlin Castro remaining at second base, Maddon said. Russell took over Castro's spot as the everyday starting shortstop in early August.

Russell hit .242 with 13 homers, 54 RBIs and a .696 OPS in 142 games for Chicago this season. He was 3-of-12 with one RBI in four postseason games. He's also renowned for his quality work defensively.

Baez hit .289 with one homer, four RBIs and a .733 OPS in 28 regular-season games, serving primarily as a defensive replacement in September. He's 4-of-5 in limited action in his two postseason games. Baez was shaky defensively in replacing Russell in Game 3 of the NLDS, but Maddon has lauded his defensive skills all season long, dating back to spring training.

"The thing about Addison, Addison has played enough here this year to know that he belongs here and that he can do this," Maddon said. "I want to believe that Javy's arriving at that same point. I think to hit a three-run homer in a playoff game like that against one of the best pitchers in the National League should boost your confidence."

The Cubs can add another player to their NLCS roster in place of Russell, who'd be eligible to then go back on the roster if Chicago advances to the World Series. The Cubs haven't announced who will replace Russell on the NLCS roster, but they could add an extra reliever with this being a longer series. Right-hander Jason Motte is in consideration, Maddon said. Motte has been rehabbing from a right shoulder injury.

'We've been discussing the different thoughts regarding that," Maddon said.

The Cubs open up the NLCS on Saturday on the road against either the Dodgers or Mets. First pitch will be at 7:07 p.m. CT.