Cubs’ Kyle Schwarber not medically cleared to play outfield in World Series

Despite some thinking that he might, Kyle Schwarber will not be taking the outfield for the Cubs in the World Series against the Indians

There have been a lot of great storylines surrounding the Chicago Cubs as they make their first appearance in the World Series since 1945, but without a doubt maybe the biggest one was the addition of young slugger Kyle Schwarber to the roster for the Fall Classic. The youngster was able to heal up enough to put a bat in his hands in the World Series, and rumors lately were that he might even be healthy enough to take the outfield soon as the Cubs chase that elusive title.

Well, not so fast on that one.

A little over 24 hours before Game 3 of the World Series takes place on Friday night, Cubs general manager Theo Epstein announced that Schwarber is in fact not medically cleared to do anything more than be available as a pinch hitter in this series with the Cleveland Indians.

Is it disappointing in a way? Sure it is, it would have been literally amazing to see Schwarber be healthy enough to not only make the World Series roster, but put a glove back on as well.

But at the same time, is this the smart move? In the long run, yes it is. The fact of the matter is that there was a lot of damage in that knee, and while he could have been a hand in the field, you really don’t want to risk a freak injury that would take the bat out of his hands. When it comes down to it, Schwarber is more valuable to this team coming off the bench to try and launch a moon shot than playing the field.

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Next year, he’ll complete the full recovery by taking the field once again for this team.