What It Means:

Maddon said he is certain the shortstop is going to be okay and that his condition has been improving every day. Russell has missed the last week with back soreness but could return to spring training action sometime this week. No need to worry just yet about his long-term health but Russell is in danger of missing Opening Day, which is just five days away.

Russell is projected for a .246 batting average, 18 home runs, 72 RBI's, 67 runs scored and 6 stolen bases in 562 plate appearances this upcoming season by numberFire's algorithms.