Less than a week ago, Kyle Schwarber was flying to Arizona to take some at-bats in the Arizona Fall League. One of baseball’s best young hitters against the league’s top prospects seemed like nothing extraordinary. But no one knew what was in store for him in the next few days.
When the Chicago Cubs defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 6 of the NLCS, the first question that popped into everyone’s head was: “who is going to DH in Cleveland?”. The Cubs had players like Jorge Soler, Chris Coghlan and even Jason Heyward who could’ve taken the role. But the management had other plans. Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer always thought about Kyle Schwarber.
It turns out the rehab went well, Joe Maddon gave him the green light and Schwarber became part of the World Series roster. And just like that, the former catcher who converted into outfielder was named for the franchise’s biggest series since 1945. We have to remember that Schwarber practically missed the entire season with a knee injury that was going to keep him out of action until 2017. But the slugger had other plans.
At first, Schwarber was only going to DH. And he made his presence felt in Game 1, where he went 1-for-3 with a double and a walk. He struck out twice, but saw a total of 18 pitches in four at-bats. If there was any rust in his swing, we didn’t see a sign of it. The Cubs lost 0-6 in Game 1, but the return of one of their best hitters was a positive sign for the future.
Schwarber, however, saved an even better performance for Game 2. In a 5-1 win at Progressive Field, he went 2-for-4 with two RBI, a run, a walk and two punchouts. And now it seems the sky is the limit for Schwarber who might even play defense against the Indians at Wrigley Field. That way, he wouldn’t be limited to pinch-hitting duties and Maddon could use his bat on an everyday basis. Could you imagine the Cubs’ fans going berserk when they realize Schwarber could start?
And of course we know Schwarber can mash in the postseason. Just ask Cardinals fans if they remember this:
The medical staff has the final word, and Joe Maddon said “he doesn’t know” if Schwarber will be available to play the outfield. It might be a game-time decision, but it could be a series-changing moment. With the better rotation, the better offense and three games at home, there’s no question the momentum is on the Cubs side. But the return of Schwarber could be what puts them over the top.
And who knows? Maybe a guy who went 0-for-4 during the regular season suddenly becomes the difference maker in the World Series. It would be an epic way to finish the year for the Cubs. After all, it truly seems this is the year where they’ll win it all. Will they come through when it matters the most?