Joe Maddon Gets His Wish: 'High-IQ' Javier Baez Is Joining The Cubs

(CBS) Cubs manager Joe Maddon will finally get one of his wishes Tuesday: Infielder Javier Baez is getting called up.

As rosters expand with the start of September, Baez is returning to the Cubs after overcoming a handful of challenges during a full season in the minor leagues. A big supporter of Baez who stumped for him to make the big league roster out of spring training, Maddon expects him to have a role right away.

"You're going to see him play, obviously," Maddon said Tuesday in an interview with Jason Goff and Joe Cowley on 670 The Score. "What's his role specifically? Second base, third base, maybe a shortstop day on occasion. I'm not 100 percent sure yet how that's going to play -- we definitely want to get Addison (Russell) a break.  We're going to try to match him up, his abilities offensively, versus the other teams' pitchers as best as you can and give him the best chance for success. The thing about Javy that I saw in Puerto Rico and then again in spring training, this guy really understands the game well for a young player. He's got a really high baseball IQ and great instincts. I really appreciate that about him.

"He's a great baserunner. There's so many different ways he can help us. We'll get him going soon and check it out. I'm (excited) to watch him. I've been a really big fan."

After struggling mightily in a two-month big league call-up late in 2014 -- he hit .169 and had 95 strikeouts in 229 plate appearances -- Baez overcame family tragedy and a broken finger to hit .324 with 13 homers and 61 RBIs in 70 games at Triple-A Iowa this season.

Maddon is open to rookie Kris Bryant playing more outfield in September, which would open up third base for Baez.

"Injuries occur, even in September, so you have to be prepared for all those different things, and we're in good position right now," Maddon said. "You have to literally cover all your bases, and I think Theo and Jed have done a wonderful job."

In other news, Maddon added that newly acquired outfielder Austin Jackson will be used against left-handed pitching and to spell other outfielders when needed.

"He's going to be very helpful," Maddon said.