Chicago Cubs star Kyle Schwarber reportedly suffered a torn ACL and LCL in addition to a sprained ankle against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday and will miss the remainder of the season.
Continue for updates.
Schwarber Releases Statement on Twitter
Saturday, April 9
Schwarber told reporters Thursday his knee and ankle were “tight” and “sore” and that he hoped the “MRI [wouldn’t] show further damage.”
Schwarber Tears ACL and LCL
Friday, April 8
Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reported Schwarber has a “full torn ACL and LCL” and a severe ankle sprain that will force him to miss the rest of the year.
Schwarber’s Bat Was Key to Cubs’ World Series Title Hopes
This is a significant blow for a team with World Series aspirations. He is one of the most dangerous bats in the entire order and gave 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 with Schwarber 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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