ESPN.com · Oct 15, 2015
Cubs rule SS Russell (hamstring) out of NLCS
CHICAGO -- Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell will not play in the NL Championship Series because of a strained left hamstring.
Manager Joe Maddon also says Jon Lester will start the series opener on Saturday night, followed by Jake Arrieta in Game 2 on Sunday. Lester is 6-5 with a 2.66 ERA in 15 career postseason games, including 13 starts.
The Cubs will find out their opponent for the next round when the Dodgers host the New York Mets in Game 5 of their division series on Thursday night.
Russell left Game 3 of the NLDS against the Cardinals due to tightness in his left hamstring. Maddon says it's a moderate strain, and the team will be pragmatic with the injury.