As the regular season games dwindle and the Cubs continue to fight to maintain first place in their division, and while the entire roster is fighting off fatigue, reinforcements are on the way in the form of Kyle Schwarber and Jason Heyward.
Reports surfaced Friday that Schwarber could potentially make his return to the lineup this weekend, but after riding the bench for Friday's 3-2 win over the Reds, Schwarber may not make a start until the Arizona series starting Monday.
Having Schwarber's bat available on the bench should be welcomed by Maddon, especially if Jason Heyward is truly ready to return and can supply some late-inning defensive help. Heyward ran for the first time since being placed on the disabled list Monday morning and has said there isn't much pain, but with only 14 games left on the season, Heyward doesn't want another setup back to force him off the postseason roster.
He was running the bases and took batting practice prior to Friday's game and should be ready to contribute by the Arizona series as well.
With only 1.5 game lead in the NL Central and an offense that can't seem to find a rhythm, Heyward and Schwarber returning to the lineup at the very least gives the Cubs their starting corner outfielders back as well as depth for the final push for the postseason.