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Schwarber can stay close in new Cubs' facilities

Cubs catcher-outfielder Kyle Schwarber is out for the season with a knee injury, but he won't be away from the team much, and he won't be forgotten.

After Schwarber has surgery - a date has yet to be determined for that - he'll remain with the team in Chicago for his rehab.

"I think the difference is the fact that our clubhouse can handle that kind of stuff right now as compared to the last clubhouse," manager Joe Maddon said Wednesday. "I'm not so sure we could have done as much had we not had this place right now. So that's part of it."

Schwarber tore ligaments in his left knee last week, the result of an outfield collision with center fielder Dexter Fowler in a game last Thursday at Arizona.

"It's such a uniquely difficult injury, and this guy is such a big part of our future," Maddon said. "The one thing I talked about to our players in spring training and even before the season began, they have some policies and rules and regulations, but at some point you've got to utilize common sense. I think the common-sensible approach here is that this guy is so important to our group.

"He's overcoming a very difficult injury. He needs our support. I think, we think, that it's important to keep him here, involved, where we can see him and he can see us. I think it's going to benefit him and really help him through the rehabilitation process. When he comes back next year, it's going to be a lot more comfortable."

Baez getting closer:

Infielder-outfielder Javier Baez was 1-for-4 Wednesday for Class AAA Iowa as he rehabs from a bruised left thumb. It's possible Baez could come off the disabled list by this weekend.

"I didn't hear anything negative," Joe Maddon said. "He's getting closer to coming back."

When Baez comes back, the Cubs may send Munenori Kawasaki back to Iowa.

Maddon digging Rizzo doings:

First baseman Anthony Rizzo used the catchy walk-up music of former teammate Starlin Castro before his first at-bat on Opening Night.

"It was outstanding," Joe Maddon said. "The fans got into it, It was pretty cool, actually. I had no clue that it was going to happen. It came on. I looked at Riz and he just smirked back at me. I gave him a thumbs-up. It's part of the relationship we've built with the fans here, and I like it."

Maddon also was told that Rizzo used the egg-shaped saltwater "sensory deprivation tank" on the Cubs' off-day, Tuesday. The tank is one of the many health-related amenities as part of the large new clubhouse complex.

"What better health club to walk into than this one?" Maddon said. "I've hard about this little egg that simulates the mother's womb back there. So apparently, Riz was the first guy to jump back in the womb. I guess it's more buoyant than the Dead Sea. That's what I've been told. It's like body temperature, which makes sense. I'll give that a go at some point."

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