The Chicago Cubs might be back. The defending World Series champions defeated the Atlanta Braves to move to 6-0 since coming back from the All Star break. The team had a jump start when the team added Jose Quintana to the rotation, but the real key to the team is Addison Russell.
Russell goes 4-4
Russell finished the ball game with two singles and two doubles to raise his batting average to .240. Russell was batting in the low .200s at one point in June, but his bat has came to life. At the beginning of the season, Russell was dealing with an investigation, that is still ongoing, with claims of domestic violence against his now ex-wife.
However, some of that pain might be put behind him as he continues to be on a hot streak. Since coming back for the break, he has raised his batting average by 14 points.
In his last six games, Russell has nine hits and six runs batted in. If Russell is going to be hitting this way, then the middle of the order is once again very scary. With Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Wilson Contreras, Javy Baez, and Addison Russell following one another, it will put pressure on opposing rotations.
The Cubs are now two games back in the division pending on what happens with the Brewers tonight. The Cubs have a day off tomorrow, but return to action with a home series against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Bryant leaves game with injury
Bryant had to leave in the middle of the game against the Braves with an injury to his middle finger. While sliding into third base, Bryant hit the left foot of the Braves third baseman. The x-rays came back negative, and the initial diagnosis is a sprained finger. The Cubs will monitor the reigning MVP, but it does not look like he will miss a lot of time.
Tommy La Stella to the rescue
La Stella took advantage of a late insertion to the lineup. La Stella hit his second home run of the season to make a 1-0 ball game a 2-0 advantage. The Cubs eventually broke the game open thanks to a double from Russell, and a three run home run from Russell. The Cubs hope that La Stella can keep that production up as he is likely to get some playing time the next week.
Mike Montgomery first
The Cubs starter lasted six strong innings to add another quality start to the Cubs rotation in the last six games. However, it was not his start that gained attention. Montgomery hit his first career home run against the Braves on Wednesday. A shot to right field gave the left hander some insurance as he picked up his second win as a starter.