Schwarber anticipates emotional return: 'I'll probably cry'
Kyle Schwarber will go through one of the most emotional moments of his life Tuesday, when the Chicago Cubs slugger takes part in his first MLB action since tearing his ACL in April.
It just so happens he picked Game 1 of the World Series to make a surprising return, so forgive him if he reacts accordingly.
"Once I hit that line, a lot of emotions will come pouring out," Schwarber told reporters pregame, according to USA TODAY Sports' Bob Nightengale. "I'll probably cry at some point today."
In total, Schwarber missed 190 games with the Cubs after colliding with center fielder Dexter Fowler on a fly ball in only the second game of the year against the Arizona Diamondbacks:
(Video courtesy: MLB.com)
The stars seem to have aligned for the catcher-turned-outfielder, however, as under American League rules, Schwarber will be able to forego playing the field as the Cubs' designated hitter in the World Series opener against the Cleveland Indians.
Though he might not be ready to return to the defensive side of the game just yet, Schwarber insists he isn't returning for the sake of a feel-good story: He wants to help the Cubs end a 108-year championship drought.
"I didn't do it for media attention," Schwarber said, according to MLB.com's Richard Justice. "I did it for my teammates."