Kyle Schwarber says rehab going according to plan … Leaves open the possibility of playing again this year
Kyle Schwarber talked with 670 The Score’s Mark Grote about his rehab and the progress he’s made from knee surgery. And Schwarber left open the possibility of playing again this year.
The Cubs have said on numerous occasions that Kyle Schwarber would miss the entire year recovering from surgery to repair the LCL and reconstruct the ACL in his left knee. Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer said last month when the Cubs were forced to address the Schwarber trade rumors that they were looking forward to seeing him back with the team in Spring Training. And even if the Cubs were to play deep into October, Schwarber would not be ready to play again until the spring.
Mark Grote played about a minute and a half of a recent conversation with Kyle Schwarber during Thursday’s pre-game show. Schwarber said everything with his rehab is going according to plan. As for when he will be able to return, Schwarber left open the possibility he could play again this year while sticking to spring timeframe the Cubs have reiterated since April.
Schwarber played catch in the outfield during the recent homestand with his catcher’s mitt.
Mark Grote: So you’re still a catcher?
Kyle Schwarber: I’d like to think both. I want to be ready in any case possible. Like I said last year it’s going to be be ready for anything so I’m still going to keep the same mindset even though this injury. I want to prepare as a catcher and keep studying everything I possibly can to be ready for next year.
MG: How do you feel?
KS: Feel good. Everything is right where it needs to be. Doctors say it looks good. So I’m starting to jog now on the ground, straight lines, no cutting. Everything is going according to plan. It’s just a slow process. Like I said I’m just happy to be here and be able to watch some baseball and cheer these guys on.
MG: Any chance of coming back this year?
KS: There’s no comment on that. Most likely, most likely … probably not. So, we are shooting for spring. I’m going to push myself as hard as I can to come back as soon as I can. It sounds like it’s going to be spring.
MG: And you’ve become pretty adept at bringing the lineup card out. Team’s winning with you doing that.
KS: I’m going for the strong home record. [Laughs] Trying to get some wins any way possible. Trying to contribute in any way possible. If that’s bringing out the lineup card then I guess that’s what my job is.
MG: Going over this week, I think you were telling me before you’re like 8-2 this year doing that.
KS: I think I’m about 8-2. I’ve got a pretty good record, but still trying to improve that. Hopefully as we keep going on these homestands I try to keep getting some more wins.