Kyle Schwarber Expected To DH For Cubs In World Series
Kyle Schwarber tore two ligaments in his knee back in April and was supposed to miss the rest of the season. Well, the kid is apparently a quick healer because Ken Rosenthal is reporting “all signs point” to the Indiana product being on the Chicago Cubs’ World Series roster.
Scout who Schwarber in Arizona Fall League today said he hit ball hard three times against AA-caliber pitching, got robbed twice by shift.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) October 24, 2016
Schwarber drew a walk in his other plate appearance. All signs point to him being on WS roster. #Cubs consider him a “freak.” However…
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) October 24, 2016
One of several concerns: #Cubs could not replace Schwarber if he aggravated pre-existing injury. Same issue #Indians had with Bauer in ALCS.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) October 24, 2016
In fact, he is already on his way to Cleveland to join the team:
Kyle Schwarber en route to Cleveland now on a private jet. He's expected to DH for the #Cubs in Game 1. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) October 24, 2016
If Schwarber is actually healthy and can hit for the Cubs, he could be a game-changer. The assumption is that he would only be the team’s designated hitter or serve as a pinch hitter. That effectively wipes out a roster spot that could be used in multiple ways during games at Wrigley Field. The other concern is rushing him back and having him get injured again.
Still, if the Cubs believe Schwarber can give them a boost it might be a gamble worth taking. In nine postseason games in 2015, the 23-year-old hit five home runs, becoming Chicago’s all-time postseason leader. That kind of pop could change the dynamic of a series. It looks like the Cubs are betting that it can.