Extra bases

• Cubs reliever James Russell, who has yet to get into a Cactus League game because of some discomfort in his left arm, was scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Friday and could be in action next week.

Russell, who has appeared in more than 70 games each of the last two seasons, was going through a "dead arm" phase, Renteria said.

• Shortstop Starlin Castro is continuing to make progress in his rehab from a mild right hamstring strain. Castro, who was injured last Sunday, was expected to be sidelined seven to 10 days. He's been receiving treatment all day at the Cubs' complex.

• The Cubs will play split-squad games on Friday with James McDonald getting his first Cactus League start against the Angels in Tempe, Ariz., and Edwin Jackson starting in Mesa against the Indians. The Cubs-Angels game is another test of the new instant replay system available to managers. However, Renteria will be in Mesa.