Chicago Cubs star Kyle Schwarber left Thursday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on a cart, per Sports Illustrated. He sprained his ankle during a collision in the outfield, per the team. It's unclear when he will return.
Continue for updates.
Cubs Worried About Schwarber Injury
Friday, April 8
Buster Olney of ESPN reported the Cubs are concerned about Schwarber's injury, though there's more concern surrounding his knee than his ankle.
Schwarber Comments on Knee, Ankle
Thursday, April 7
Schwarber told reporters his knee and ankle are "tight and sore," but he's hopeful the "MRI doesn't show further damage."
Schwarber to Undergo Testing
Thursday, April 7
Bruce Levine of WSCR-AM reported that Schwarber will have an MRI on Friday. Carrie Muskat of MLB.com noted the MRI will include Schwarber's left knee.
Schwarber's Bat Key to Cubs' World Series Title Hopes
This is a significant blow for a team with World Series aspirations if Schwarber is forced to miss extensive time. He is one of the most dangerous bats in the entire order and gives the Cubs another power threat alongside Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant and Jason Heyward.
Schwarber drilled 16 home runs and tallied 43 RBI in a mere 69 games in his rookie season, and his ability to play multiple positions also proved to be valuable for manager Joe Maddon. Schwarber originally came up from the minor leagues as a catcher, but he saw plenty of action in left field in his first campaign.
The silver lining for Chicago in the face of this (or any) injury is the overall versatility on the roster.
Javier Baez is one of Maddon’s secret weapons as someone the manager can deploy at almost any spot in the field, giving him the ability to mix and match his lineups while Schwarber is out. Look for Ben Zobrist and Tommy La Stella to man second base if Baez is asked to cover for Schwarber.
It should be noted Baez started the season on the disabled list, but he could still serve as a long-term replacement once he returns.
Chicago also has enough depth in the outfield outside of just Baez, with Jorge Soler, Heyward and even Matt Szczur as options. Even Bryant can play right or left field if needed when Baez or La Stella sees time at third base.
The Cubs will also continue to use Miguel Montero and David Ross behind the plate without Schwarber, which isn’t much of a change from their typical lineup.
Chicago boasts a number of players who can play multiple positions (including Schwarber), which lessens the impact of this injury. Still, Schwarber’s bat is what makes him valuable to this team, and it is difficult to envision the Cubs ending their World Series curse without the powerful lefty in the lineup come October.
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