Kyle Schwarber’s rehab is on track, which means the 23-year-old catcher/outfielder won’t make a miraculous return late in the season or in October when the Cubs expect to be playing postseason ball.
Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein said Friday there’s “no chance” of Schwarber playing again until 2017, with the Indiana University product focusing his rehab on being ready for the start of spring training next year.
Schwarber is off crutches and was recently fitted for a new brace, which he’ll use for the rest of his rehab process.
But Schwarber, who had an .842 OPS in 69 regular season games and set a franchise record with five postseason home runs last year, is still doing whatever he can to remain involved with the organization while his behind-the-scenes recovery process continues. Most recently, that meant having 2014’s No. 4 overall pick sitting in the Cubs’ draft room during this month’s MLB Draft.
“He’s always looking for ways to contribute to the organization,” Epstein said. “He’s been helping the advanced scouts, been breaking down opposing hitters. It was neat for us to have him sit in the draft room for three or four days and help out the scouts, add some levity to the room. It was great having him around.”