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Will Kyle Schwarber start Game 3 of World Series?

By Dave Stevenson

Oct 25, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs player Kyle Schwarber (12) hits a double against the Cleveland Indians in the fourth inning in game one of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs player Kyle Schwarber (12) hits a double against the Cleveland Indians in the fourth inning in game one of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Could Kyle Schwarber be in the outfield for Game 3 of the World Series?

Adding Kyle Schwarber to their World Series roster was an undeniable risk for the Chicago Cubs. He hadn’t faced major league pitching since early April and the extent of his game experience since then has been Arizona Fall League games. It’s a risk which has paid off significantly, as Schwarber has been one of their best hitters so far. In Cleveland, he served as the Cubs’ designated hitter. It was a perfect role for him. But with the World Series heading to Wrigley Field, he won’t be able to DH.

The Cubs are holding out hope he could be cleared to play defense. Currently, he has only been cleared to hit and run the bases.

“It’s going to be what the doctors tell us,” manager Joe Maddon said, via CBS Chicago. “My concern is what the doctor does say regarding lateral movement, quick stops, abrupt stops, change of direction… those are the kinds of things I don’t know anything about.”

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Schwarber has made a remarkable recovery from tearing his ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and LCL (lateral collateral ligament). While he can hit and put enough weight on it to hit, running down fly balls will be quite difficult for him. The sudden stops and changing of direction could leave his knee very vulnerable.

Chicago is looking to keep Schwarber’s bat in the lineup. So far in the World Series, he is three for seven with two walks. He certainly hasn’t looked like someone who hasn’t played in a meaningful game since April.

If Schwarber helps the Cubs end the curse, he will approach folk hero status in Chicago. And rightfully so, as his comeback has been nothing short of legendary and Schwarber’s already a fan favorite at Wrigley Field.

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