Reports: Schwarber to DH for Game 1
CLEVELAND - Cubs president Theo Epstein spent part of Monday on the computer watching catcher-outfieder Kyle Schwarber testing his surgically repaired left knee in the Arizona Fall League.
Schwarber suffered a serious knee injury during the first week of the season when he collided with Dexter Fowler as both went after a flyball at Arizona.
The Cubs apparently liked what they saw, because there were reports Monday night that he will be activated in time for the World Series and serve as the designated hitter in Game 1 on Tuesday night at Cleveland.
"He ran the bases before the game really well and slid, dove back in, went first to third, second to home," Epstein said. "He looked really good. He's running pretty well. He hit the ball really hard his first 2 at-bats. He's saving his hits, apparently, because he keeps hitting the ball right at guys."
Schwarber has been cleared for all baseball activities except playing the field. As a rookie last year, he hit 5 home runs in the postseason.
The Cubs and Indians have until Tuesday morning to set their 25-man rosters for the World Series.
"He wouldn't be playing in the Fall League if they weren't seriously considering him being here," pitcher Jake Arrieta said. "Not having to put him in the field is huge. If he hits the ball over the fence, he can trot around the bases."
Making history:
When Dexter Fowler leads off Tuesday night in Game 1 of the World Series, he will become the first black player in Chicago Cubs franchise history to participate in the World Series.
The major leagues were not yet integrated in 1945, the last time the Cubs were in the Fall Classic.
"Yeah, that's unbelievable," Fowler said. "It's hard to think that there have been no African-American guys to be a Cub (in the World Series). You look at the history, and it's been 71 years? It all wouldn't be possible without Jackie."
Fowler was referring to Jackie Robinson, who broke the modern-day color line in baseball with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947.
Fowler said he will take pride in his own achievement, once it comes to fruition.
"Oh, of course," he said. "Just being here in the World Series, but to add that aspect to it definitely makes it that much more special."
Addison Russell, Carl Edwards Jr. and Jason Heyward are other Cubs with African-American heritage.
"It's very humbling and honoring to be here," Russell said. "The fact that you have the first African-American to set foot on baseball soil in MLB, to finally be here, think we've come a long way."
Arrieta for Game 2:
After Jon Lester pitches Game 1 of the World Series, Cubs manager Joe Maddon will send Jake Arrieta out for Game 2 at Progressive Field.
When the Series resumes Friday at Wrigley Field, Kyle Hendricks will start Game 3.
Summer in Chicago:
Indians manager Terry Francona played one season for the Cubs, in 1986. He was asked about his memories.
"Not what you're looking for," he said. "I lived out in Northbrook and my slot to hit every morning was I hit from 10:10 to 10:25, Chris Speier and I. I would fight the traffic in, so I had to leave at like 7 (a.m.). I'd usually pinch hit about quarter to 6 (p.m.). There would be shadows. I'd make an out. And then I'd fight traffic home. That was my summer in Chicago."