CHICAGO — Addison Russell says he understands the booing he has heard since returning to the Chicago Cubs after his suspension for violating baseball’s domestic violence policy, calling it “a serious issue.”

Russell received a mostly chilly reception when he played Wednesday against Miami in his first major league game since September. Russell’s second start drew a much more muted response, and there was loud cheering when he doubled in the seventh inning of Friday’s 7-0 loss to Milwaukee for his first hit.

“I totally understand. It’s a serious issue,” Russell said. “What can I do? Get better day by day. That’s all I can do. And be the example of a person that’s trying to make things right.”

Russell apologized for “the hurt and the pain” he caused.