Kyle Schwarber has been added to the Mesa Solar Sox’s roster in the Arizona Fall League
The Cubs made a surprise addition to the Mesa Solar Sox’s roster. Kyle Schwarber will play in the Arizona Fall League. MLB Pipeline announced Saturday that Schwarber has been added to the Solar Sox’s roster as a taxi squad player.
Schwarber has been traveling with the Cubs during the postseason while he continued his rehab from season-ending surgery in April to repair torn ligaments in his knee. Schwarber has been seen working out on the field and doing running drills in the outfields at Wrigley, AT&T Park and Dodger Stadium.
Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer have said repeatedly that even if the Cubs were to play deep into October that Schwarber would not be available to play. The Cubs have said publicly that the target for Schwarber’s return would be Spring Training of 2017. Reports have suggested that Schwarber could play Winter Ball. Playing in the Arizona Fall League did not appear to be option in his rehab process.
Kyle Schwarber is expected to be in Mesa’s starting lineup on Saturday night.
The Cubs timing to send Schwarber to the Arizona Fall League is, let’s just say intriguing.
Updated 1:11pm CDT – According to ESPN Chicago, Kyle Schwarber has been sent to the Arizona Fall League to prepare to DH if the Cubs are able to win the NL Pennant and advance to the Series. Schwarber has been cleared to hit but he cannot play in the field. Running is still an issue according to Jesse Rogers.
Updated 2:08pm CDT – According to Patrick Mooney, the Cubs have not “ruled anything in or out” with Schwarber. The Cubs want to see how he “responds in the Arizona Fall League in case they need a DH in the World Series.” Schwarber was cleared Monday by the doctor that did the surgery. Schwarber is hoping to comeback and left for Arizona on Wednesday.
Updated 2:55pm CDT – The Sun-Times reported Schwarber will play Saturday night and will be evaluated on Sunday for a possible role with the team if the Cubs advance past the NLCS. Schwarber has been cleared to run the bases, not play in the field.