Chicago Cubs recall Kyle Schwarber from Triple-A Iowa

The Chicago Cubs recalled outfielder Kyle Schwarber from Triple-A Iowa on Thursday morning, ahead of a matinee against the Milwaukee Brewers.

According to Jesse Rogers of ESPN Chicago, the reigning World Series champion Chicago Cubs are adding a key piece back to the fold in Kyle Schwarber.

Beginning the year with lofty expectations given his postseason exploits, the former first-round pick got off to a dreadful start at the plate, batting .171/.295/.378 in 261 plate appearances this season. His time in the leadoff spot is largely considered a failure, although Joe Maddon hasn’t ruled out moving him back into that role.

Schwarber batted an impressive .343 with four long-balls in just 11 games with Iowa this year. He made some mechanical changes, namely lowering his hands. This mirrors, to a degree, the changes we saw from Jason Heyward over the offseason.

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He struck out in 27 percent of his at-bats at Triple-A Iowa. But he also drew eight walks to his dozen strikeouts.

If Schwarber can return to the Cubs lineup and produce as he has in the past, the offense will get a shot in the arm. This could even prevent the team from dealing for an impact position piece, instead focusing on pitching. (Which, either way, should be the case given the rotation struggles).

Postseason hero returns

Two years ago, in his rookie season, Schwarber blasted 16 home runs in 69 games. In the postseason, he stepped things up even further, smacking five long-balls in nine games.

The story continued in 2016, when he missed the entire season with reconstructive knee surgery. He made an improbable return to the team against Cleveland in the World Series. In the Fall Classic, Schwarber hit an impressive .412/.500/.471, serving as the team’s DH.

With his confidence back and his mind right, Kyle Schwarber could very well help carry this team. Expect him to split time in left field with Jon Jay, who clubbed a game-tying three-run shot in Wednesday’s win over Tampa Bay.

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The team has not yet confirmed the move. But, also according to Rogers, the Cubs are sending John Lackey to the 10-day disabled list with plantar fasciitis. Due to the break, though, he may not even miss a start.