AUG. 1: Zobrist’s rehab will begin this weekend at the Single-A level, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com was among those to report.
JULY 26: Cubs veteran Ben Zobrist is slated to begin a rehab assignment, president of baseball operations Theo Epstein tells reporters including ESPNChicago.com’s Jesse Rogers (Twitter link). Zobrist has been on the restricted list for much of the season for personal reasons.
It’s notable news for the Cubs, who are in a dead heat in a tightly contest NL Central. The club has struggled to find consistent production at second base and in the corner outfield — the two spots that Zobrist has appeared at most frequently. He’ll presumably step right back into the mix as soon as he is back up to full speed.
The Cubs likely won’t welcome back Zobrist right away. Though he has been working out, the 38-year-old has been inactive for so long that he’s likely to need a physical ramp-up along with a good bit of time getting back up to game speed. He wasn’t exactly at top form when he stepped away, having compiled 99 plate appearances of .241/.343/.253 hitting to open the season. While he carried a strong 12:14 K/BB ratio in that span, Zobrist managed just one extra-base hit.
There are also some payroll considerations to be accounted for. During his absence, Zobrist has foregone payment of his $12.5MM annual salary. But he’ll start earning again. (Whether that will take place once his rehab assignment starts or once he’s activated isn’t clear.) That means that the club cannot reallocate all of Zobrist’s remaining salary obligations to other players at the deadline.
It seems an early September target may make the most sense for all involved. That’d be an optimal time from a roster perspective, as the Cubs would be able to take advantage of the expansion of the active roster to ease Zobrist back in. He will need to come off of the restricted list by the end of August in order to be eligible for the postseason.
YES YES YES YES YES
So it looks like it was Russell or Montgomery who did the dirty deed
What??
Good Lord that was stone cold, but damn if I didn’t LMAO
No one rehabs from a messy divorce. If he is able to make around the bases without breaking down in tears, then I will be impressed.
Yes!!!
No!
You are officially cub news troll ha. I see you post on ever cub post.
Whoa! Nice!!! The vet bat and leadership this team is missing. I seriously thought he was done. Like making a trade without giving up any prospects
He is done.
Of course that means someone else gets sent down or DFA’d.
Money grab.
How many games back are the White Sox in the Wild Card?
Just ignore such comments.
It’s all about expectations, idiot.
Yes, like we expect you to make stupid comments
I’ll never understand why cubs fans get so attached to the most mediocre players on their roster. They’re get so triggered over criticism of players that other fanbases could care less about. #delusional #jimjonesberrykoolaid
Why else should/would he rejoin his “teammates” after they have been busting their butts all season long?
Wonder whether he would be rejoining if Cubs were in 5th place – where they are headed.
Yeah World Series MVPs are a dime a dozen.
And only you expect them to be in the world series next year.
Mmmm. Cubbie Kool-Aid. I’ve tried the Sox drink of choice. It’s called p!ss and vinegar.
It’s funny when you forget to log out of whichever account you make your first comment from to reply to yourself from your other accounts. I always get a kick of out of that.
he is the reason we hate sox fans
@ncaachampillini actually WS MVPs kinda are, just look at the names. If you subtract for PEDs only 2 future or vurrent HOFs have actually won the award since 2000 (Jeter/Johnson)
ChiSuc fan you know nothing about baseball from the major league team to the management of a successful team that has made the playoffs 4 yrs in a row, going on 5 !! When was the last time the White Sux had such a run , most likely never you frickin moron .
That, along with Hamels, ought to boost the Cubs average
age to > 30.
This is an old team. All washed up.
Couldn’t agree more.
How big of a loser must you be to constantly be in cubs threads doing this? I feel sorry for you
No it doesn’t. He’ll be back just in time for rosters to expand.
Hush sweetie. Go watch the Sox.
Ouch, he might be a sad, thirsty troll but no need to subject him to watching the White Sox. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.
I do wish he wasn’t a Sox fan. He sounds more like a Cardinal fan.
I am a fan of any and all teams that beat the Cubs like a drum.
8-0 1 hitter today!
Go Cardinals!
Haven’t the white Sox lost 20of their last 25 games with a front office that refuses to sign a decent free agent or apparently trade any of their deadweight at the deadline. Although there probably wasn’t much interest in that dumpster fire of a roster.
just as done as James Shields was when the Pads dealt him a few years back – whoops!
Let’s not forget the Lou Brock trade.
Nor the Sammy Sosa trade (the second one)
ancient history…
And the Jon Garland trade.
WS Champ!
Get a life of your own and quit trolling the Cubs , it makes you look dumber than you think.
Go to a Sux game once in a while and you’ll realize how far ur puppies are from learning how to win games. Get a life
Ryno a better choice.
he cant even manage, doubt he can still play.
This must be a good move. The stupider your posts usually the better it is for the Cubs….
What makes you think at his age after sitting out with emotional situation that he can just turn it on again! Seriously doubt he can get in any kind of game shape to be much help!
Now the cubs don’t need to trade for a veteran hitter who can produce consistent at bats.
There is no rehab from a divorce messy enough to cost you six months of work.
Hope the assignment includes lots of Xbox with his bros.
And plenty of strange.
zobrist has three young children. He probably was spending as much time as possible with them. Divorce is really bad for children.
How do you rehab a broken heart?
“You can love again, Ben!”
I’ll ask my ex and get back to you
You keep going to work and move on instead of sitting home and sulking.
Bend over one of the rooms and have at it. Good luck Ben
Bend over one of the rookies and have at it. Good luck Ben
The bottom line said Bend over one of the rookies and have at it. Good luck Ben
Kind of makes you think that Zobrist did not want to be in the same clubhouse with Addy.
Not it at all. He probably thought that the Cubs need him now that the Cards have caught up. Plus Addy was like the least of his concerns, he was going through a lot.
And he’s still going to see him on his rehab assignment.
So he was going through too much to play out the season, but now that the Cards have caught up, he’s good enough to play? What if they caught up a month ago? Would he have been ok then? Seems like a stretch.
Russell being recalled was the corresponding move when Zobrist went on the restricted list. I suppose it’s possible the Russell move was coming, that another player was on his way down, when Zobrist made a stand…
Zo is certianly principled and willing to keep his opinions quiet, but i dont think he would stay out at the team’s expense simply to avoid russell, especially given he would likely have gone down if he came back earlier.
Then, once you start thinking, you regret saying things this dumb out loud…
You can’t measure a guy like Zobrist by metrics. He has always been a “big hit” guy his entire career. He can go ofer 20 and get the 2 out GW hit in the 9th when it matters most. This is solid news.
You measure a guy by height
We’re talking about measuring value and contribution to a team
?
Ask Chevy Chase
Serious? Get back to work dude. Missing time due to a divorce? SOFT!
Hey a$!wipe until you go thru one especially with kids involved shutup
Give it time. He’ll feel Zobrist’s pain when his left hand finally files papers.
Did you take a couple months off of work after your wife stepped out on you?
Lambasting a man’s personal life on a baseball forum? Weak!
I can see Addy being gone after 7/31
Exactly. Real men hit their heads into cinder blocks for fun.
Idiotic comment.
Not even a good troll job. I give you a 0.5/10
Your right hand would love a divorce.
Good and good bye desclaao
Who?
Yes, I was hoping that Desclaao leaves soon, he is the most disruptive fan ever. Oh wait..
Zobrist is a veteran and should be ready by mid August…imo
He’s 38 and will be on the IL by September.
yeah September seems a little bit cautious, even with how long he’s been out. im sure he’s tried to stay in as best shape as possible, and isnt injured, so i cant imagine it will take a whole month.
Who was sent down for Happ?
Tim Collins
Who?
I thought he was sent down for Holland.
That would likely be descalso when Holland arrives (or possibly wick). Holland took Collins spot on 40 man
Holland isn’t on the active roster yet. Collins was DFA’d off the Active roster, which allowed Holland to be added to the 40-man and Happ to be added to the 25-man. Once Holland is activated, then someone else will be optioned or DFA’d.
Then Holland can’t help you anytime soon.
How many days does he have to report?
Why can’t Holland help us any time soon? He’s likely added to the roster tomorrow.
He probably posted six times on the Collins DFA and forgot about in the few hours since
??
Truth
Put Zobrist in against Giolito this very second and he’ll have 3 homeruns
They would have to meet in the WS this year since Zobrist will be retired by next year.
Unless maybe he will need the $$$ and play until 62.
Moron
Well, looks like it’s a seller’s market. I wonder who will overpay first?
Sorry, I know it’s off topic but
I’m going crazy waiting for some trade action!
Cub fan – Russel is trash, both on and off the field. For me personally, I have no desire to give him the benefit of the doubt. I would be fine if he never steps foot in Wrigley again. As far as Zo missing 6 months over a divorce. I get that it’s a brutal life event, I get that he’s very religious… but I’m not gonna be a meatball homer and say it doesn’t bother me a bit. Literally 50% of marriages end in divorce, I can’t imagine taking a half year off work to deal with it is common. I guess you can do that when you’re a multi millionaire.
That said, I’m very happy he’s back. A vet bat, leader is precisely what the Cubs need right now.
Does the fact that 50% of marriages end in divorce mean it shouldn’t mean as much if it happens to you? Just let the man be.
Hey Bryzzo2016, how DARE you say anything about the first guy EVER to go through a divorce. Shame on you young man.
The man has 2 young children he doesn’t want to lose in custody talks because he’s away from home 3 months a year.
Personally I respect him more for putting his family ahead of baseball. It’s not easy for a man in his profession to do that, since so many knuckleheads out there will call him ‘soft’ for trying
Family always trumps career. Or always should.
Oh dude give it up trying to hate on Cubs players
The only question of significance is what will his walk up song be?
I can hear it now- Taylor Swift….”WE! Are never ever ever, getting back together!”
Buckcherry Crazy B$tch
“Don’t go breaking my heart” Kiki Dee and Elton John.
I don’t think leaving your team for several months falls under the description of a leader. He’s a vet, 38 years old and is going to hit .250…
Yes, he is a reach. Theo’s idea to satisfy fans since they can’t afford a better alternative.
Enjoy your $11 beers.
This troll is like the guy that makes fun of your 2016 7 Series BMW and then drives off in his 2005 Sunfire. Ignore the trolls.
Cubs fans-“Leave Zobrist alone, he has gone through a lot!”
Also Cubs fans-“Addison Russel’s baby momma and he acquisitions have never been proven, I have no sympathy for her”
Never seen a single Cubs fan defend Russell, but nice imagination you have going on there.
then you weren’t around online last year (but he’s not wrong. usually religious nutters will defend the man no matter what. par for the course from the people who want to control every aspect of people’s lives, while having no control over their own)
Indeed
I have seen some Cubs fans make really cringeworthy defenses of Russell, but that’s far from the norm
At least as many, if not more, just want to see him quietly gone.
cubs announce Ben Zobrist begins rehab.
cubs fans response: Cham-pion-shiiiip! lol
Yes… Cubs and Sox. In a perfect world, they would combine and be called the “Subs” … or maybe the “Cox.”
Having him in the dugout alone helps this team..before those who think he is done might wanna consider having his life in shambles surly contributed to his struggles prior to the personal leave, so time away to right the ship may bring back the zo everyone expects
Yes, just sit in the dugout with the coaches and take a player position away. Hire a psychiatrist.
take away, I would say added someone who can play many positions
You need a shrink lap licker , and play your receiver position when you get home
Looks like Cubs are cornering the market on GCHG’s Good Club House Guys with the Holland and Zobrist news today!
This site is pure garbage …….just old news !!! Not even the shadow the one it use to be..
I hope he does great but with Maddon at the helm it will be a lost cause. He just pulled Hendricks at 90 pitched against the Brewers with a 2-0 lead after 5. I’ll bet they lose.
It’s 2-1 now and Happ 0/3 1 K.
1 BB and 2 HP. Brewers threatening in 8th.
Cubbies need pitching not 38 year old bench warmers.
3-2 Brewers. Inning still alive.
Cards winning, too!
Brewers win.
Cubbies cannot blame the schedule this year. Had a day off just yesterday and slept in their own beds.
Stop with your truths
Are you still having your stroke in installments?
LMAO
I read nearly every post on this site. Few names stick out to me. This ChiSox fella is something else. If this is in anyway your real personality I feel for anyone that is forced to be in your presence.
Speechless. Look I don’t particularly care for the White Sox they’re not worth the energy to pay attention to a blah team. And I would certainly never watch one of their games and post a play by play like he’s doing above. My goodness even though his team is trash wouldn’t it make more sense to watch his own team’s game tonight? Good grief.
K.
It will be nice to see him back on the field and in uniform where he belongs. Not that family issues shouldn’t take precedence but I have always appreciated Zobrists style of play.
I would have told the dude to just retire. He has nothing left to prove.
Glad he is coming back but the way we play on the road it really speaks to what is wrong with this bunch. Should have swept the Giants and once again fave another one away to Milwaukee. Don’t be surprised that at the end of this road trip we are in 3rd place. The great start after the all star break has amounted to nothing.
Per https://www.mlb.com/news/top-contenders-trade-deadline-needs and https://www.mlb.com/news/the-four-part-plan-for-the-cubs-at-the-trade-deadline, the Cubs are still looking for a versatile position player and a left-handed reliever by Wednesday’s trade deadline, even with Ben Zobrist returning later next month or in September. We all know that they still haven’t solved their leadoff woes since Dexter Fowler departed in free agency following the 2016 season.
Apparently the Royals aren’t interested in dealing Whit Merrifield and the Cubs probably wouldn’t have the prospect capital to match other suitors if he were made available anyway. The White Sox actually have two players who would fit the Cubs wish list, Leury Garcia and Aaron Bummer. The questions are:
What would be a fair trade going back to the White Sox?
Would the Cubs even want to consider another deal with their South Side neighbors in the wake of their last deadline deal just two summers ago?
Both Rick Hahn and Theo Epstein said after the Quintana deal that neither one frankly cared about the perception and it was just a normal baseball deal. They only kept the negotiations mostly secret because neither wanted to deal with the frenzy
So if the White Sox actually had anything the Cubs needed, I’m sure they’d be happy to talk. Garcia and Bummer would just be more mediocre, and the Cubs have enough of that.
What about wifey? When does she go back on tour?
Having heard her music, hopefully there’s no rush…
Bird man blew it
Only joy a White Sox fan has is trolling Cub Posts. The minor league team on the Southside back to playing like they do every year. In no time they’ll be 30 games under and Cubs will be making another post season push
They sound mad that Cease and Eloy are both busts so far
Ben Zobrist is a class act, and I wish him nothing but the best. I hope he comes back and rakes, just not against the Cardinal’s. Guys like him are good for baseball.
I still don’t understand how the Cubbies are staying under the cap. I get they get relief from Zobrist’s salary, but when you add Castellanos, Phelps, Kemp, Holland, and Kimbrel, and only subtract Montgomery, seems hard to believe they didn’t excede the limit.
I was wondering the same thing. Although they appear to be a few hundred thousand under the draft pick and international slot money penalty.
They have exceeded it
They are a out 20 mil under the threshold tax