CLEVELAND -- After hitting a double and talking a walk in four plate appearances in his Arizona Fall League finale, Chicago Cubs outfielder/catcher Kyle Schwarber was on his way to Cleveland on Monday night and could be his team's designated hitter in Tuesday's Game 1 of the World Series against the Indians.
"Reports are good," manager Joe Maddon said Monday afternoon. "He's swinging the bat well. He's running really well, actually. He's done some sliding drills, all that kind of stuff to just test the whole thing out."
Schwarber, 23, has missed all but 2.5 games of the season with torn ligaments in his left knee after colliding with teammate Dexter Fowler in the outfield. He was cleared by his doctor last Monday to swing and run, but he can't play the field. He would be the first player to be out this long and play in the World Series, but the Cubs feel he's a special player with a special swing.
"His will is bigger than most," hitting coach John Mallee said. "You would think it would be a little tougher not playing. See it and hit it. That's him. I just saw his swing the other day and he hasn't missed a beat. Guess it's like riding a bike for him."
Schwarber is from Ohio and made his debut against the Indians, going 4-for-5 in his first career start at Progressive Field in June 2015. Last October, he hit five home runs for the Cubs, making him their career postseason home run leader. He's also a fan favorite. With the designated hitter available for the first two games, Schwarber is likely to be in the starting lineup, which won't be announced until Tuesday.
"He's given us another option to think about," Maddon said.
The World Series rosters are due at 10 a.m. Tuesday.
Schwarber hit 16 home runs to go along with a .355 on-base percentage after coming up from the minors in 2015.