Kyle Schwarber was expected to be a key part of the Chicago Cubs offense this season. Unfortunately, his season is over before it really had a chance to get going.
The Chicago Cubs worst fears came true on Friday evening. Kyle Schwarber, who was involved in an outfield collision on Thursday night, fully tore his ACL and LCL. He will be out for the rest of the 2016 season.
Expectations were high for the twenty three year old. In his first taste of major league action last year he hit .246/.355/.487 to go along with 16 HR and 43 RBI. He accomplished all of this in 69 games. The hope this season was that he could become a fixture in left field and catch from time to time.
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The injury is a major blow to the Cubs, but if there was one team in baseball prepared to handle such a loss it is likely them. Jesse Rogers cites Joe Maddon as saying that Tommy La Stella and Jorge Soler will see time in left to take over for Schwarber. Also, Kris Bryant could also see more time in the outfield now.
The loss of Schwarber is significant, but what impact will it have on Chicago’s chances this season? The lineup is still loaded, and they are stocked with options in left. Clearly it’s disappointing, but the Cubs will still be expected to make a run at a world championship this season. After their offseason shopping spree, anything less will still be a disappointment.
Fortunately for the Chicago Cubs, they still have a stellar lineup with Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant and Jason Heyward, amongst others. However, the loss of Kyle Schwarber will certainly be felt for the rest of the season, and could very well impact their postseason chances.