James Russell assigned to I-Cubs

Metairie, La. - The Chicago Cubs on Monday assigned left-hander James Russell to Triple-A Iowa. He will wear number 38 and will be active for tonight's game in New Orleans. In a corresponding move, left-hander Jeff Antigua has been reassigned to Double-A Tennessee.

 

Russell was originally drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 14th round of the 2007 June draft out of the University of Texas. He made his major league debut with Chicago on April 5, 2010, and went on to post a career best 7-1 record with Chicago through 77 appearances in 2012. Russell appeared in 316 games in parts of five season with Chicago. He was traded along with Emilio Bonifacio to Atlanta on July 31, 2014 in exchange for catcher Victor Catarini. Russell went 0-0 with a 2.22 ERA in 22 games for the Braves down the stretch last season, but was released by the Braves on March 29.

 

Russell has had two previous stints with Iowa, going 3-3 with a 3.43 ERA (25ER/65.2IP) with the I-Cubs in 2009. He allowed seven runs in 11.0 innings during the 2010 season as well.

Antigua was signed to a minor league contract by the Cubs organization in October of 2006. The left-hander appeared in one game for Iowa this season, allowing one earned run on two hits in 2.1 innings of work.

The Cubs begin a four-game series with the New Orleans Zephyrs, Triple-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins, tonight in Metairie, La. First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. CT. Right-hander Yoanner Negrin is slated to make his first start of the season for Iowa, against New Orleans right-hander Robert Morey. The game will be broadcast live on AM 940, 104.5 FM, and streamed live at iowacubs.com with the On-Deck Circle Pre-Game Show starting at 5:35 PM.