Russell’s all-around play key to Cubs’ fortunes

CHICAGO — The Cubs’ pair of Most Valuable Player candidates, Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant, will get most of the attention when the National League Division Series opens on Friday at Wrigley Field, but the X-factor on the team may be shortstop Addison Russell.

Russell has thrived since he was moved up in the batting order, and finished the season third on the team in RBIs with a career-high 95, behind Rizzo (109) and Bryant (102). If there was an award for Cubs second-half MVP, Russell would be in serious consideration after driving in 44 runs since the All-Star break.

• Russell and the Astros’ Carlos Correa are the first shortstops to total 95 RBIs in their age-22-or-younger season since Troy Tulowitzki did so at age 22 in 2007 with the Rockies, when he drove in 99. Correa finished the season with 96 RBIs. Russell is the first Cubs shortstop to reach 95 RBIs since Hall of Famer Ernie Banks drove in 117 in 1960.

Game Date Time Matchup TV Gm 1 Oct. 7 TBD WC @ CHC FS1 / MLBN Gm 2 Oct. 8 TBD WC @ CHC FS1 / MLBN Gm 3 Oct. 10 TBD CHC @ WC FS1 / MLBN *Gm 4 Oct. 11 TBD CHC @ WC FS1 *Gm 5 Oct. 13 TBD WC @ CHC FS1 *- If necessaryShop for postseason gear: Cubs • Complete Postseason coverage

• Russell is the second …

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