Schwarber set for season-ending surgery this week
While the Chicago Cubs are set to embark on a three-game series Monday with their rivals, the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium, Kyle Schwarber will be preparing for surgery.
Cubs manager Joe Maddon told reporters Monday the 23-year-old, whose been placed on the 60-day disabled list, is expected to have season-ending surgery on his injured left knee some time this week.
Schwarber took Chicago by storm last season, belting 16 home runs in 69 games during his rookie campaign, but suffered a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee in a collision with teammate Dexter Fowler earlier this month.
The catcher, who can also play the outfield, is a fan favorite on a budding Cubs squad who are favored to win the World Series. He received quite the ovation from the Windy City faithful during their home opener.
Schwarber has been fairly upbeat considering the extent of his injury and plans to make a triumphant return in 2017.
''I look at it as I've got a whole year to prepare for a new season,'' Schwarber said April. 9. ''I'm going to be feeling like I'm coming back even better.''
Along with his 16 long balls, the slugger added 43 RBIs to his .246/.355/.487 slash line last season.