Addison Russell will play seven games at Triple-A Iowa beginning Wednesday before being eligible to rejoin the Chicago Cubs on May 3.

Russell, 25, was suspended 40 games in September for violating the league's domestic abuse policy.

Under league rules, Russell is allowed to play up to seven games in the minors before his suspension is complete. He has been working out at the Cubs' spring complex in Mesa, Arizona, this month.

"I know he's eager and anxious to get out there," Joe Maddon said. "My conversations with him have been about baseball and how he's feeling."

The Cubs have monitored Russell's mandated counseling, calling his return to the Cubs a "conditional second chance."