WORLD SERIES COMES TO WRIGLEY (SERIES TIED 1-1)
A bat on idle
Cubs look to be more resourceful after learning Schwarber won't play the outfield for Games 3, 4 and 5
The surreal hitting performance of Kyle Schwarber in the first two games of the World Series can't be replicated in Games 3, 4 and 5 against the Indians this weekend at Wrigley Field because the Cubs medical staff didn't clear the young slugger for outfield play.
But his teammates can follow his lead in working deep counts and being selectively aggressive at the plate while taking advantage of the comforts of home for the first Series games to be played there since 1945.
“Kyle provided a nice spark, just by seeing his quality at-bats,” Kris Bryant said. “Everyone feeds off that, keeping the chain moving.”
President Theo Epstein acknowledged his disappointment that Schwarber, who went 3-for 7 with two walks in Games 1 and 2, will be available only for pinch-hit duty for the next three games because there is no designated hitter in National League parks.
But he reiterated his faith in an offense that posted all but two of its 103 regular-season victories without Schwarber after he tore two ligaments in his left knee.
“We now have Kyle off the bench to take maybe the most important at-bat in the game at a given point,” Epstein said.
Schwarber was told he could not play the field before the Cubs' workout Thursday, in which he hit several home runs during batting practice but merely stood in left field with coaches Dave Martinez and Mike Borzello.
“It's not disappointing at all,” Schwarber said. “It was a long shot at (best). Obviously, I want to be out there for my teammates. It's just the competitor inside me, but facts are facts. I just can't physically do it. I'm going to be ready at any time to pinch hit.”
Schwarber initially tried to challenge the decision from Daniel Cooper, who performed his surgery in April, and team orthopedist Stephen Gryzlo, but he became more realistic as he gathered more information.
“No one's going to be upset about this decision,” Schwarber said. “So I'm not. I'm embracing the (pinch-hit) role.”
Schwarber had been expected to be sidelined until spring training. But expectations soared after Cooper cleared him to run and hit when he was examined Oct. 17 in Dallas and then he produced so well in the first two games of the Series as a designated hitter in an American League park.
“Medically the doctors were very convinced there's just too much risk in playing the outfield because of the dynamic, athletic movements that are unanticipated, your instinct in reacting to balls,” Epstein said. “That isn't the case when you're running the bases. This was not just an ACL tear. This was a complete blowout of his knee, multiple ligaments. An eight-month expected return to play, best-case scenario.”
Cubs pitchers batted a respectable .157 during the regular season, and Schwarber is excited about his pinch-hitting duties for the next three games.
“Not many people get this opportunity that I'm in right now, so I'm embracing (it) and I'm going to cheer my teammates on,” Schwarber said. “And when my time comes, I'm going to be ready.”
So are his teammates, who look to create their own legacy of the Cubs winning the World Series.
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