Cubs SS Russell joining Triple-A Iowa to prepare for return

CHICAGO (AP) — Cubs shortstop Addison Russell is joining Triple-A Iowa to prepare for his return from a 40-game suspension for violating Major League Baseball’s domestic violence policy.

Russell is expected to play when Iowa begins a nine-game homestand Wednesday night against Nashville. The 25-year-old had stayed in Arizona to work out after the Cubs broke camp for the start of the season.

Russell was suspended last fall October after a series of allegations made by his ex-wife. While declining to get into any specifics, Russell said in February he was accountable for his past actions and apologized for “the hurt and the pain” he caused.

Barring any postponements, Russell would be eligible to return to the Cubs for their series opener against St. Louis on May 3 at Wrigley Field.