Addison Russell the next I-Cubs prospect to hit majors

Less than a week after losing Kris Bryant, the Iowa Cubs have lost another big-named prospect.

Infielder Addison Russell confirmed to the Des Moines Register late Monday night that he is being called up for his first big-league promotion.

"I'm pretty excited," Russell said. "I wasn't expecting the call at all today. I had no idea."

The 21-year-old infielder, who began the season with the Iowa Cubs, said he received the call from Iowa manager Marty Pevey on Monday night.

"I'm just really excited and just ready to get there and play," Russell said.

Russell was listed as the third-best prospect in baseball according to Baseball America. Bryant, a hard-hitting infielder who also started the season with Iowa, was ranked No. 1.

Shocking? Not so much, if only in the timing of the news coming so quickly after Bryant's call-up.

ANALYSIS: Russell call-up says Cubs are in win mode

Anticipation and rumors grew that Russell, a first-round pick by the Oakland Athletics, could be joining his minor league teammate in Chicago.

Russell, who was acquired by the Cubs in a blockbuster deal last season, actually talked about the rumors with the Des Moines Register following Iowa's doubleheader with the Oklahoma City Dodgers on Monday.

"I just kind of try to block that stuff out and just continue on what I'm doing here," Russell said following Monday's doubleheader. "When that time comes, I think I"ll be ready."

If the reports are indeed true, it was a memorable final day of the minor league season. Russell broke up a perfect game attempt by Oklahoma City pitcher Scott Baker, who was one strike away from achieving it in the first of two seven-inning contests at Principal Park.

He finished the day going 2-for-4 with a pair of RBI doubles in Game 2.

"I think that I could be a great asset for the Cubs in the future and help out the team," Russell said.

And having Bryant and Russell both in Chicago?

"I"m looking forward to it, and I'm looking forward to playing with all those guys and to play for (Chicago manager) Joe (Maddon)," Russell said. "It's just a great organization to be in right now."

Check back with DesMoinesRegister.com on Tuesday as more news develops.