First Steps: Kyle Schwarber’s Knee Surgery is Succesful

During the third game of the year, Kyle Schwarber collided with Dexter Fowler in left-center field and tore his ACL, LCL and severely sprained his left ankle. The injury put Schwarber out for the season, as he has a lengthy, intense rehab ahead.

The scheduled first step in the rehabilitation process was a surgery to repair his knee ligaments. Earlier today, we found out that his surgery might happen as soon as this week, and as it turns out, he had the surgery today and it was largely considered a success:

Dr. Daniel Cooper in Dallas performed Schwarber surgery: ACL reconstruction; LCL repair. #Cubs

— Bruce Miles (@BruceMiles2112) April 19, 2016

#Cubs Schwarber had successful ACL reconstruction and LCL repair. Everyone feels good about it went. Expect full recovery

— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) April 19, 2016

Mark Gonzales has more on the successful surgery here at the Chicago Tribune.

In short, Schwarber underwent a reconstruction of his anterior collateral ligament and a repair of his lateral collateral ligament in his left knee. Although this was just a first step on a long road to recovery, we can all be thankful that it was a successful one. Surgeries don’t always go smoothly (Yadier Molina had two surgeries on the same thumb this offseason), so this was big first hurdle to overcome.

Best of luck to Schwarber, who will rest up and then begin the long road back to the Major Leagues. And, in case you’re wondering, he is expected to be ready for the 2017 season.