Chicago Cubs’ Kyle Schwarber returns as World Series roster announced

The day has finally arrived. Joe Maddon and his Chicago Cubs are in Cleveland, ready for Game 1 of the World Series. It took them 71-years to win the pennant but took care of that drought over the weekend. Now, it’s time for them to erase another.

Goosebumps. Chills. Tears of joy. Nerves and blood pressure through the roof. Just a few things that us Chicago Cubs fans experienced once the final out against the Los Angeles Dodgers was recorded. However, it will not stop after winning the pennant.

Today is the day. One step closer for Theo Epstein to becoming immortalized as one of the greatest baseball minds in the history of the game. Arriving in Boston and putting together a World Series team only to come to Chicago with the same goal in mind.

Watching his blueprint unfold and come to life over the past few years has been absolutely amazing. Going from losing 100 plus games to turning into the best team that Major League Baseball has to offer.

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At 7:00 p.m. central time, the Chicago Cubs will step into the batter’s box as the visiting team in Cleveland. Ahead of tonight’s showdown, the World Series roster was revealed and a familiar face has returned following a six months absence.

Of course, other than Kyle Schwarber headlining the roster, skipper Joe Maddon now has four catchers in his possession throughout the series. As reported on the Cubs’ official website, Schwarber takes rookie southpaw, Rob Zastryzny‘s spot and could possibly fill in as the designated hitter.

Back in the swing of things

Kyle spent time doing some workouts over the past few weeks and even returned to baseball activities in Arizona. In his first game back, he went 1-for-3 with a RBI double and served as the designated hitter in another contest.

But surely, Joe Buck is going to mention the fact that his 2016 regular season was cut short just four games in. A play in which he collided with center fielder Dexter Fowler while visiting the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Schwarber’s early exit did not change the Cubs from going on and winning their first division title since 2008. Could you imagine how things would have been if Schwarber never ran into Fowler?

They ended the year with 103 games. Having a healthy Schwarber in the lineup could have resulted in at least 110 wins. He is a very important part of this team.

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There is a very slim chance that Schwarber will end up fielding doing the World Series. Even when it goes back to Wrigley Field for three games over the weekend. Once it’s back on the North Side, he could make an appearance as a pinch-hitter.

At first, I wasn’t much of a fan of the idea of bringing him back after spending half a year on the disabled list. Knee injuries are no joke, especially when most of your lower body is used at the plate.

But after watching a few clips of him hitting, it looks as if Kyle is 100%. And honestly, it is great to see him back on the active roster. And just when you thought his return filled us with even more hope, the Chicago Cubs went ahead and posted this video on their twitter.

Are you ready for Game 1?