Cubs option Schwarber to Triple-A: 'I'm grateful for the opportunity'

Kyle Schwarber knew his time with the Chicago Cubs would be brief - so he made the most of it.

With a pair of series in American League ballparks this week, the Cubs called up the 22-year-old Tuesday to serve as the team's designated hitter. They optioned him to Triple-A on Sunday following their 8-0 win over the Minnesota Twins.

Schwarber became the fourth player in the last 30 years to collect six hits in his first eight at-bats. He wrapped up his brief stint in the majors going 8-for-22 (.363) with one home run and six RBIs.

"He's a great kid," manager Joe Maddon told reporters. "He's handled all of this perfectly and I'm really proud of him."

The fourth overall pick by the Cubs in the 2014 draft, Schwarber said he isn't disappointed to be sent down and is happy that he could contribute.

"I'm grateful for the opportunity and to be able to learn from these guys and get my feet wet. I know what it takes to play a Major League Baseball game and I know the preparation," he said.

"I knew what my role was. I knew it coming in. I'm not disappointed at all. The day was going to come. Unreal experience. Being able to see what it takes to play a major-league game was awesome."