Cubs SS Russell ruled out for NLCS with hamstring injury

CHICAGO (AP) — 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.

Javier Baez, who replaced Russell after he left in the previous round, will be the starting shortstop in the NLCS.