Cubs' Schwarber off crutches, taking part in team meetings

Little by little, injured Cubs catcher-outfielder Kyle Schwarber is moving around better and better.

Schwarber is out for the season after undergoing surgery on his left knee in April.

"Just trying to get strength back in the knee," he said Wednesday. "Going from there, it's a slow process. I'm pretty happy with where I am right now.

"Right now, it's just a strengthening part. We pretty much got past the first phase, which is range of motion and trying to control swelling. I've pretty much got that back. I'm walking on it now. I'm off the crutches. That helps free up the knee, get things working now."

In the meantime, Schwarber stays around the team as much as he can, cheering his teammates on and taking part in pitchers and catchers meetings.

"I'm glad they kept me around to be a part of it to cheer these guys on," he said. "It's been a fun season so far to watch. I'm going to keep cheering them on."

Schwarber has heard his name attached to various trade rumors, and he was glad to hear team president Theo Epstein say he was still in the Cubs' long-term plans.

"I want to stay here," he said. "The thing is, it's out of your control. Rumors are going to be rumors. Until something actually happens physically, you can't worry about it."

Comings and goings:

The Cubs activated infielder Tommy La Stella off the disabled list and started him at third base in Wednesday's 5-3 loss to the Cincinnati Reds. They also called up pitcher Adam Warren to start the game.

To make room, the Cubs placed catcher David Ross on the 7-day concussion disabled list. Ross took a foul ball off his mask in Tuesday's game.

The Cubs also designated veteran reliever Joel Peralta for assignment. Peralta appeared 5 games.

"Very difficult," manager Joe Maddon said of cutting the 40-year-old Peralta. "Actually, I thought (Tuesday) was his best day. I think he really looked closer to normal. It's just a matter of what we need right now. And he understood that. We had a really good conversation.

"If he chooses to not continue to play, he is going to be a fabulous pitching coach, bullpen coach or some kind of coach in major-league baseball. He relates really well to others."

Fowler tests it:

Injured center fielder Dexter Fowler tested his right hamstring by running the bases Wednesday morning. Fowler is hoping to come off the disabled list and play in next Tuesday's All-Star Game. He has made the all-star team for the first time in his career.

The Cubs are hoping he can make at least a minor-league rehab appearance by the weekend.

"The next two days will tell whether or not he's going to be able to participate," Maddon said. "When he comes back, whether it's the end of this week, the All-Star Game or after the break, he's still going to have to be guarded when he runs, somehow. The hamstring issue's always … you've got to be careful.

"We're looking for the end of this week, possibly, rehab. Possibly, not for sure. And if that were to happen, then there's a possibility for the All-Star Game. Not sure. But hopefully, absolutely ready post all-star break for us."