TODAY: Schwarber has officially been added to the Cubs’ World Series roster. He’ll take the roster spot that had been occupied by reliever Rob Zastryzny in the NLCS.
YESTERDAY: The Cubs appear to have a fascinating new addition to their postseason run, as several reports suggest that slugger Kyle Schwarber is likely to be activated for the World Series after missing the vast majority of the season due to torn knee ligaments. “All signs” are that he’ll be activated, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports tweets, with Jon Heyman of Fan Rag later adding that Schwarber is expected to make his triumphant return “barring something unforeseen.”
That possibility has been known for several days, with its plausibility increasing as Schwarber gets his cuts in during Arizona Fall League action. Chicago has said it would utilize its narrow window to evaluate him and assess whether to place him on the World Series roster. It’s a high-stakes decision: the 23-year-old slugger may not be ready to play much (if at all) in the field, he can’t be replaced on the roster if he suffers an aggravation of his knee problem, and he hasn’t played much since the early-April outfield collision that ended his regular season.
Still, it’s hard to deny the upside that comes in Schwarber’s bat. Selected fourth overall in the 2014 draft, he sped through the minors and debuted in the middle of 2015. The lefty swinging spark plug slashed .246/.355/.487 and swatted 16 home runs over 273 plate appearances on the year. And though he committed some notable defensive gaffes in the 2015 postseason, Schwarber rose to the occasion at the plate. In his 31 plate appearances, he recorded a 1.308 OPS with five dingers.
The Cubs have left no stone unturned in their quest to finally bring a championship back to Chicago, and calling upon Schwarber now would represent perhaps the most dramatic move yet. He’d presumably suit up as the team’s designated hitter and otherwise function as a bench bat, representing a somewhat limited role — but one that has added value since four of the possible seven games will be played under the American League rules. That the move is even being considered is testament both to Schwarber’s hard work and the front office’s faith in him. If it indeed occurs, it’ll add yet more drama to an already-highly-anticipated series.
Now…Cubs in 6
Good to see. Indians in seven.
Could be, but it won’t be on account of my Kyle. Woo hoo!
Really? In his very short career, he hasn’t really hit lefties, even average ones. Can’t wait to see him whiff every at bat against Andrew Miller. Kind of surprising they would even expect him to do this after being out almost all year. Good luck Kyle, you are gonna need it.
Good thing majority of the Indians pitching is right handed. Don’t doubt the guy after he’s worked his butt off to be able to be here, you little piece of shitt
Wow…talking tough on a MLB post. Too funny. Grow up and leave the sports to the adults
Is heyward going to do any better against Miller? Although I don’t know if that’s who he’d be replacing.
Schwarber will be the DH in Cleveland and could pinch hit. He could hit agains’t mostly righties. Heywood will play mostly for his defense, or late innings replacement when they get a lead.
Didn’t Haywood hit a grand slam off Vaughn in the last Cleveland WS?
Haywood? When that guy sneezes he looks like a party favor.
46. Only 3 of the games would be in Chicago
The DH can only be a substitute for the pitcher. You can’t DH for a position player.
Are you sure, I thought the DH could be used for any position in the lineup.
I am positive. Rule 5-11 in the MLB rule book. You cannot substitute a DH for a position player. Also, as soon as a pitcher takes over at a defensive position, the team forfeits its DH, so you can’t try to loophole through the rule by designating a position player as the starting pitcher and then swapping out after the first pitch.
You can DH for a position player, but that means the pitcher has to hit
No you can’t. You cannot DH for a position player period. It HAS to be for the pitcher or nobody. Read the rules. I referenced the exact rule above.
You can even Google that exact question and the following comes up in big, bold letters:
“In Major League Baseball, the designated hitter is a hitter who does not play a position, but instead fills in the batting order for the pitcher. The DH may only be used for the pitcher (and not any other position player), as stated in Rule 5.11.”
if Arrieta was pitching in Cleveland, I’d rather have him hit than Heyward
he might dh at best but why not.. Similar bat to Napoli who hits in the 4 hole for the Indians.. 1 he might be all they need
Similar bat when healthy, the other option is he has no base due to having not fully recovered and this has no power, or he re-injures himself because his knee isn’t ready for full game speed, or he just isn’t very good because he has had such a long layoff and having not seen any live, in game pitching his timing is off… I think everyone gets the point, there is a whole lot that can go wrong with this decision.
If the series goes 7 games that is a minimum of 63 innings. Miller MIGHT pitch 14-18 innings tops.
That leaves more than 49 innings he won’t be pitching.
Soler will likely sub for Schwarber if he is to face Miller in a tight game.
Correction – 45 innings, not 49.
46. Only three of the games would be in Chicago
Come on, seriously? He will be the DH against the right handed starters. If Miller or any lefty comes in, Soler will take over. I’m guessing he will replace Zastryzny on the 25 man roster so pinch hitting for him in the 5th or 6th inning leaves the lineup and the bench as it would have if Soler started. He’ll bat 7th or 8th so the risk is very little inserting him as a DH. Against the righty staff, Coghlan is likely the guy he is replacing in the lineup. He will never face Miller in the series.
You seem to think that there’s a chance that Maddon would let him hit against Miller when he clearly would have other options. Besides Miller, name an impact lefty on Cleveland’s staff.
Lebron blessed cleveland. Indians in 5
To bad the football team got stuck Johnny Football and then signed the one and only RG3. I’m sorry for bringing up football on here but I really think it would have been cool if the 3 big teams could win championships,not saying the Indians will tho.
LeBron blessed Cleveland? Please…Cubs in 6.
This might be right
Very few, if any can take 6 months off and be productive.
All he needs to do is time up a couple fastballs and he’s done his job.
Kyle Schwarber history alert! He’s the first position player ever to get no hits all season but then get one in a World Series game.
How’d he make notable defensive gaffes in the 2016 postseason if he just got activated?
Advantage Cleveland on the roster move for sure. Not an Indians fan but believe they have the pieces to become WS champs. Cubs will have to wait yet again.
Cubs have the best position players and best starting pitching, if they get the lead by the 7th it will be hard for Cleveland. Miller is the best weapon.
I’m not sure how replacing Soler with Schwarber as the primary DH suddenly swings the series in Cleveland’s favor? But ok.
Soler couldn’t hit a beach ball, at this point. They have nothing to lose and everything to gain by giving it to Schwarber.
Go ahead and question maddon a decisions . I did for a while than realized he knows more than I do. Bam Bam moonshot on scoreboard was off a lefty. Why not try him tomorrow and if he looks bad you can always pull him. He is taking rob z coughlan spot and neither played in nlcs anyway
I think you have summed it up…..cubs are a well rounded team and Schwarber will be taking the spot of someone who might have had an at bat or 2 or pitched an inning or 2. Schwarber can make a difference….go for it!
Finally some commentary that actually makes sense!
Completely agree. If there’s one thing that the Italian stallion (Maddonini) “Maddon” knows more than everyone, its baseball. I used to second guess Joe early in the season. Not anymore.
He is getting utterly out coached by Francona. Last year by Collins.
I still don’t know what to think of this move… Let’s say Schwarber rips some balls in the gaps or there is a close play at the plate or any base, can he go all out and run his hardest or slide fully? I know he hit a double today and was well but can he really go all out on the bases if need be with that knee yet??
Of course if he hits the ball over the fence like the Cubs and the fans want, the worry is far less but I just hope this doesn’t bite the Cubs. I already feel we have the team to beat Cleveland without risking Schwarber, but there would be no better storyline if he can get ahold of one and help the Cubs win a game or the World Series either. Let’s do this Cubs!!!
The alternate option is Soler. Soler can’t run any better and has chronic hamstring problems, so it’s really a wash as far as I’m concerned.
Cubguy, this is THE WORLD SERIES….Theo, Jed, Joe are not going to make any decision unless it is a sound baseball decision. I’m trusting that he has been rehabbing and working since he was cleared to start. Until the braintrust gives you a reason to question their moves, let’s just roll with it and let them make the baseball decisions.
Appeal to authority. What a fun conversation
Amen!
the Indian pitching staff manhandled better hitting ( Miguel Cabrera) than schwarber. the blue Jay’s thought they were going to run away with it too. Any team (and I’m sure maddon knows it) that underestimates Cleveland pitching is setting them self up for disappointment.
not in my grandfathers, my dads, mine or my kids lifetime have the cubs won a world series. let’s keep it that way. go cleveland. schwarb shouldn’t be allowed to be activated. new rule, the schwarb rule. must play in “x” amount of games to qualify for post season roster.
My guess is that you wouldn’t be saying this if Michael Brantley was in a similar position and able to come back from prolonged stays on the disabled list.
doesn’t matter who it is/was. not enough playing time, no play in world series.
Then it’s a good thing you have no say over the rules.
Thats the really impressive thing here. Indians are crushing the Cubs and are missing Carrasco, Salazar and their best hitter….Brantley. Cubs in over their heads.
Spoken like a true Crudnals fan.
Go count your rings…I think your sister is storing them for you …Richard.
Didn’t Adam Wainwright try to pitch in the playoffs last year?
Bottom Line: The Cubs front office deserves the benefit of the doubt. Why else would they have even considered activating Kyle Schwarber? Because he has been deemed fit enough to at least contribute as a DH/PH and help them win a World Series.
One other point regarding the addition of Schwarber to the World Series roster. The Cubs may opt to go with one less pitcher like they did in the shorter NLDS versus the Giants.
Theoretically, Joe Maddon won’t need to pinch-hit for pitchers as often with 4 potential games in the A.L. park. This could allow both Schwarber and Coghlan to be on the roster. Schwarber could DH against the right-handed starters Tuesday and Wednesday in Cleveland and be available to pinch-hit in key spots when the games move back to Wrigley field over the weekend. Coghlan might also be available to pinch-run and/or pinch-hit while giving Maddon some extra defensive versatility when the N.L. style of ball resumes in Chicago later in the week. Double switches are far more often employed in the N.L. than in the A.L.
The Cubs pitching staff is rested with two off-days before Tuesday’s game in Cleveland. They will have another off-day on Thursday, weather permitting. There will be an additional travel day on Monday if a 6th or 7th game is necessary next week. Imo, 11 pitchers (4 starters and 7 relievers) should be plenty in the World Series..
If it’s not Schwarber for Zastryzny I’d almost give up my season tickets. Rob Z was put on for the Dodgers series as they were left handed biased. He threw zero pitches in the series. Zero.
It’s Schwarber against right handed pitching until the Indians make a change, then it’s Soler.
Very simple moves I think.
Deactivate Heyward!
We can only dream.
Wait. Does the DH have to hit for the pitcher or could Heyward play the field and Schwarber bat for him?
The DH HAS to hit for the pitcher. You cannot substitute him for a position player.
Think the cubs have a good shot at winning but they gotta take one of the first two. Indians are so good at home I think if this goes to 6 or 7 Indians will win. Cubs have to go in 5 if they want to do it, which isn’t something I would bet against, but I think it’s closer than alot make it out to be.
Schwarber Is on a plane to Cleveland, but Tito is 4-0 in the World Series and the Indians haven’t lost 3 in a row all year. They are grinders, this is going to be a good series.
Tito is 8-0 in the World Series.
11-1 now
The Indians don’t have to lose 3 in a row to lose the series. And just cause Tito is undefeated in WS games doesn’t mean he won’t ever lose one
(for the record, my pick is Cleveland in 6, but what happened in the past, with Tito, the Cubs, the Indians, etc. is not relevant)
The Indians actually lost 3 in a row several times this year. They hadn’t lost 4 times in a row.
This should be a very good series pitting two teams on some path towards destiny.
Good matchups of managers, pitching, hitting, defense and strategy with either team capable dominating.
The whole Schwarber thing is blown out of context as expecting him to jump in and excel with the season he’s had and 63 games of major league experience may be somewhat of a dream for Cubs fans but hey its the World Series and sometimes the most unlikely of hero’s are crowned.
A professional announcer like Vin Skully will be sorely missed.
You can never have enough pitching. I know Zastryzny hasn’t been used in the playoffs, but if you’re going to activate Schwarber, I think they should have dropped someone like Coghlan (who has had such limited playing time, and when he does play, he hasn’t done that well)
You don’t need as much pitching when the DH is involved because you don’t have to worry about pinch hitting and double switches.
Considering Rob Z. didn’t even pitch in the NLCS, dropping him was a no-brainer.
Just cause he didn’t pitch in the NLCS doesn’t mean it’s a no brainier. By that logic, Schwarber shouldn’t be on the roster since he hasn’t played in 6 months.
And you do need pitching in case games go late and into extra innings which may certainly happen.
Coghlan is the only backup infielder on the roster, basically. He’s not much of a player but the Cubs can’t just pray none of their infielders gets hurt during a game.
Actually, Ben Zobrist has become the primary backup infielder on the roster with Javier Baez garnering more playing time at 2B. Zobrist was the Cubs starter at 2B for most of the regular season but has shifted to LF and RF for most of the postseason.
The Cubs have more versatility with their roster than most any MLB club with every player able to play multiple positions except for first baseman Anthony Rizzo and catchers Miguel Montero and David Ross, with the latter two actually making an appearance on the mound in 2016. This versatility is a testament to both their players and manager Joe Maddon.
It’s remarkable that the Cubs have been an historically great defensive team in 2016 with so many players playing so many positions. It speaks volumes to their work ethic and athleticism.
Good for him, it’s always nice to see a player come back sooner than expected
I think its a solid move – & will Amp this team up even more.
My only pause is Wilson Contreas is like 8 for 17 – & I want him in the line up.
Even vs a RHP. – but I think he sits tonight -& maybe catches Jake tomorrow.
Ross catches Lester. Don’t mess with a good thing! Other than that absolutely use Contreras
I don’t understand the comment that if he aggravates the knee, he can’t be replaced. The rule states that he can be replaced but must be replaced by another position player, not a pitcher….
m.mlb.com/news/article/206188910/blue-jays-league-…
I’ve seen so many Major League references. I’ve always liked Rookie of the Year. Rowengarner u suck…. they should have the guy who played Rowengarner and Charlie (Ricky “Wild thing” Vaughn) Sheen throw out the first pitch side by side.
This World Series is the battle of the Italian stallions.
Joe Maddonini (<–that's his real last name) versus Terry "Tito" Francona. This is gonna be epic!
Good to see Kyle “Babe Ruth” Schwarber playing again
Mvp