Hooray!
It sounds like Kyle Schwarber (rib cage strain) is basically cleared for a return to action:
Schwarber available to PH tonight, might start tomorrow, Maddon says.
— Gordon Wittenmyer (@GDubCub) September 8, 2015
Joe says Schwarber may be able to pinch hit tonight and play tomorrow. #Cubs
— Bruce Miles (@BruceMiles2112) September 8, 2015
Maddon has not ruled out Schwarber starting tomorrow's game.
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) September 8, 2015
So, then, it’s not a lock that Schwarber will start tomorrow, but it’s on the table. That’s pretty awesome considering we came into this series thinking Schwarber would almost certainly miss the whole thing. Although I doubt a single game would make the difference, I can’t help but wonder: if the Cubs lose tonight, would they play it a little more conservative with Schwarber tomorrow, knowing that the slim hopes of winning the division probably went out the window? Conversely, any chance a win tonight spurs the Cubs to be a little more aggressive?
Ultimately, I think the decision on Schwarber is independent of that stuff. But, in any case, it’s good to hear there’s a chance we could see him pinch hit tonight and start tomorrow.