Cubs' Kyle Schwarber out for season with torn knee ligaments
The Cubs outfielder and catcher has been diagnosed with a torn ACL and LCL after undergoing an MRI.
By
Dayn Perry
•
1 min read
Cubs outfielder-slash-catcher Kyle Schwarber, who was involved in a violent outfield collision on Thursday night, has been diagnosed with a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee. As a result, he will be out for remainder of the 2016 season, via Gordon Wittenmyer. According to MLB.com, the team informed reporters of the news prior to Friday's game.
Schwarber, of course, joined the Cubs last June and quickly transitioned from a top prospect to a middle-of-the-lineup cog. He hit .246/.355/.487 with 16 home runs -- all the while seeing action in left field and behind the plate.
Scouts have doubted Schwarber's ability to stick at catcher since his collegiate days, and the Cubs had played him exclusively in left this season -- presumably in part to keep him hearty and hale and in the lineup. Unfortunately, Schwarber won't be seen in a Cubs lineup until next season.
In a corresponding move, the Cubs recalled utilityman Munenori Kawasaki. Kawasaki figures to serve in a bench role, with Jorge Soler -- himself a former top prospect -- likely slotting into Schwarber's left-field spot on an everyday basis. Hpwever, the Cubs have plenty of options to fill the hole Schwarber leaves on the roster and in the lineup, as CBSSports.com's Mike Axisa writes.
