MLB Rumors: Will Kyle Schwarber return if Cubs make World Series?
If the Chicago Cubs advance to the World Series, they may have a fresh bat in their lineup. Left-handed slugger Kyle Schwarber is rumored to have a shot at returning as a potential DH.
According to The Athletic, Kyle Schwarber will join the Mesa Solar Sox in the Arizona Fall League on Saturday night. With that return, the possibility of his availability at the MLB level has become more realistic. Schwarber would likely serve as the designated hitter for the Cubs.
Tonight, the Cubs face off against Dodgers’ ace Clayton Kershaw with hopes of making their first World Series since 1945. Meanwhile, Schwarber will be taking at-bats at Sloan Park with the goal of being ready to face the Cleveland Indians next week.
Schwarber’s return was basically a myth throughout the season after suffering a major knee injury. In the Cubs’ third game of the season, Schwarber and Dexter Fowler collided in the outfield. Schwarber suffered a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee. Shortly after, he underwent surgery and was declared out for the remainder of the season.
Schwarber’s name also surfaced around the trade deadline. Cubs president Theo Epstein shot down suggestions that the team may trade the lefty slugger numerous times. Many of the rumors around Schwarber’s trade centered around lefty-reliever Andrew Miller who the Cubs will surely see if they advance.
Epstein also faced a barrage of questions about Schwarber’s return when Schwarber began working out publicly before games. Epstein stuck with the 2017 spring training as the return date with winter ball being the earliest possibility. Now, it seems that Epstein was just being cautious.
Whenever Schwarber was approached about the topic, he never completely ruled out returning this season. He’s reportedly been very active in his workouts and looks ahead of the typical recovery schedule. Jon Lester shared a few words in support of Schwarber.
“He’s there every day working his butt off,” Lester said. “You see him coming in from the weight room and he’s drenched and we know how hard he’s working to try to get back to help us. He doesn’t look for attention. You turn around and he’s drenched and soaking wet in sweat and just gone through a working and there’s a very slim chance he could be playing for us.”
“A very slim chance” caught a lot of attention. And apparently, that slim chance is becoming more of a reality.
Unfortunately for the Cubs, they still need to make it to the World Series before they start developing their lineup. Game 6 they will attempt to get through Clayton Kershaw and if it goes to Game 7 they will battle Rich Hill.
Despite all of the rumors and speculation about Schwarber, no one is actually sure if he can handle game at-bats yet. The AFL at-bats will surely help his recovery process, but there’s quite a bit of a learning curve between facing AFL pitchers and the American League World Series representatives including Andrew Miller. World Series rosters are also due Tuesday morning, so he doesn’t have much time to catch back up.
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Kyle Schwarber launched 16 home runs with an .842 OPS in 69 games during his 2015 rookie season. Schwarber also performed well in the postseason. Through 31 plate appearances, he slashed .333/.419/.589 with five home runs. His second home run which came in the NLDS against the St. Louis Cardinals became quite famous after it landed on top of the right-field video board.
Despite the odds being stacked against Schwarber, his return for the World Series is realistic. And you can bet that if he swings the bat well in the AFL games, the Cubs will certainly want his big bat in the lineup against the Cleveland Indians.