CHICAGO – Cubs star Kyle Schwarber won’t be in the starting lineup for the three World Series games this weekend after he was denied medical clearance to play the outfield following his return from knee surgery.
Schwarber tore a pair of knee ligaments on April 7 and returned in Tuesday’s series opener in Cleveland. He was 3-for-7 with a double, two RBIs and two walks as the designated hitter in the first two games, but with the shift to Wrigley Field, there will be no DH.
Chicago President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein says it’s too soon after the injury for Schwarber’s knee to be fully tested, especially with quick moves required to play the outfield. He said, “There was too much risk.”
Schwarber will be used as a pinch hitter. He says it’s “not disappointing at all” and “it was a long shot at the most.”