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Schwarber to make AFL debut, could play in World Series

Jim McIsaac / Getty Images Sport / Getty

As the Chicago Cubs attempt to punch their ticket to the World Series for the first time since 1945, an important part of their future continues to make significant improvements in his recovery from a devastating season-ending knee injury.

Outfielder Kyle Schwarber, who tore his ACL and LCL in a collision with Dexter Fowler in the second game of the season, was activated from the 60-day disabled list and will make his Arizona Fall League debut Saturday for the Mesa Solar Sox.

Schwarber, who has made significant progress in his rehab, has a chance at being added to the World Series roster. His hitting ability would allow him to slot in as the team's designated hitter, though he's still not running at full strength.

"We're not ruling anything in. We're not ruling anything out. We're not getting ahead of ourselves," general manager Theo Epstein told reporters, according to Bruce Miles of the Daily Herald.

"It's a testament to how hard (Schwarber) worked to even be in this position where it's a possibility. We're going to evaluate him day to day from a medical standpoint and from a baseball-readiness standpoint."

The 23-year-old appeared in 69 games last season for the Cubs, hitting 246/.355/.487 with 16 home runs and 43 RBIs.

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