Cubs announce Kyle Schwarber hasn't been cleared to play the outfield
Kyle Schwarber will have to do his damage as a pinch hitter as the World Series moves to Wrigley Field for Games 3, 4 and 5. The Cubs announced Thursday afternoon that the slugger hasn’t been medically cleared to play the outfield.
Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein delivered the news after the team's off-day workout Thursday.
"Of course we're all disappointed," Epstein said, per MLB.com. "We'd love to see him get 4-plus at-bats."
Schwarber tore two ligaments — including his ACL — in his left knee in an outfield collision on April 7 and was believed to be finished for the remainder of the season. However, he returned ahead of schedule and was a late addition to Chicago’s World Series. And a productive one.
Serving as the DH in Games 1 and 2 in Cleveland, Schwarber went 3-for-7 with a double, two walks and two RBI as the Cubs and Indians split the first two games. But he'll be limited to pinch-hitting duty ... for now.
Game 3 is Friday, Game 4 is Saturday and Game 5 is Sunday. All games will be broadcast by FOX at 8 p.m. ET. Ditto for Games 6 (Tuesday) and 7 (Wednesday), which will be back in Cleveland -- if necessary -- where Schwarber could rejoin the starting lineup at DH.
Kyle Schwarber has not been medically cleared to play the field, according to Theo Epstein. pic.twitter.com/GCS1CQuU3V
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) October 27, 2016
"It was a small chance that I'd be here at all, so I'm just going to soak it in and embrace it." pic.twitter.com/zv6OfQOjx1
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) October 27, 2016
