CHICAGO -- It won't be long before the Cubs have a few decisions on their hands as the team announced Tuesday that shortstop Addison Russell will report to Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday.

Russell is finishing his 40-game suspension for violating Major League Baseball's Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy and can be activated from the restricted list when the Cubs return home to play the St. Louis Cardinals on May 3.

"My conversations with him have been about baseball and how he's feeling," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. "He's feeling really well. [Mental skills coach] John [Baker] just saw him play in Arizona and said he's hitting the ball extremely well. I know he's eager and anxious to get out there. One thing at a time. Just get him playing, see how that's going and after that, we'll make our call."

Russell's return doesn't come without some scrutiny, and the Cubs manager acknowledged that the shortstop's potential reception might be discussed upon his arrival.

"I'm certain that we will talk about those kinds of things with him prior to him getting here," Maddon said. "But for right now, it's been pretty much baseball-related conversation."

Javier Baez has started all of the team's 21 games at shortstop and is continuing to show why he was the runner-up in last year's MVP race. Baez entered Tuesday slashing .302/.333/.605 with a team-high six homers and 17 RBIs.

Lester and Montgomery on the mend

Cubs ace Jon Lester, who has been on the injured list since April 9 with a strained left hamstring, is on track to make his return Thursday vs. the Dodgers. The team has yet to name a starter for Thursday, but all signs point to Lester being back on the bump.

"Perhaps -- we're looking well right now," Maddon said. "He's out doing some work right now. Once I hear more about that, I'll be able to make a solid call. But he's trending in the right direction right now with being able to pitch, but I want to make sure before I actually say that."

Tyler Chatwood may also be available if Lester can't make Thursday's start.

Cubs swingman Mike Montgomery made his first rehab start with Double-A Tennessee on Monday, going four innings and allowing three runs on three hits. He walked one and struck out three.

"He's fine," Maddon said. "He came through it well. We're going to set him up again to do the same thing, but he's fine."

Worth noting

The Cubs placed infielder David Bote on the paternity list before Tuesday's game against the Dodgers. Bote and his wife, Rachel, welcomed their third child, Sullivan, over the weekend. Left-hander Randy Rosario was recalled from Triple-A Iowa to take Bote's place on the roster.

Rosario is 0-0 with a 5.14 ERA in seven appearances this season.

Maddon reiterated that the plan is for Bote to be back with the team Wednesday, but acknowledged that things could change.