Chicago Cubs: Ben Zobrist is one step closer to rejoining the team

Chicago Cubs veteran utility man Ben Zobrist is one step closer to returning to the big leagues after earning a promotion to Triple-A Iowa.

After making a few rehab appearances with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans and South Bend Cubs, Zobrist is on his way to Triple-A Iowa, according to ESPN’s Jesse Rogers.

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Zobrist has not played a game with the Cubs since May 6, at which point he took a leave of unpaid absence to deal with personal issues.

The 38-year-old has maintained consistent contact with the front office and made it known he wanted to return to the team at some point this year.

Although Zobrist was slashing just .241/.343/.253 with a paltry 59 OPS+ through his first 26 games in 2019, the Cubs desperately need him to return to the clubhouse.

Where is the spark?

The Cubs have been one of the more confounding stories of this year, looking practically unbeatable at Wrigley Field while totally lacking energy and urgency on the road.

Prior to the start of the season, the front office hoped that guys like Zobrist and Daniel Descalso would fill that leadership void which had existed since David Ross retired after the 2016 campaign.

Descalso has been praised for his measured and reassuring presence in the clubhouse, but he can only do so much when he has been totally relegated to the role of spectator. Zobrist, on the other hand, could provide a real “kick in the pants” to some of his teammates.

Zobrist is not only the oldest guy on the roster, but he is also actually one of the fiercest on the field. All he has done since coming to Chicago is win a World Series MVP and carry an inept offense in the second half of last season when he slashed .330/.374/.471 and was one of the most productive hitters in the lineup.

When the going gets tough, Zobrist really gets going. Sure, his absence may have been longer than expected. That said, he is still returning from a contentious divorce because he wants to make any impact that he can for a club that is struggling to get a grip on the National League Central.

Remember when he removed himself in the lineup in favor of David Bote, who proceeded to hit a pair of homers in Arizona?

The Cubs need inspiration down the stretch. If there is one guy that can galvanize the club on the basis of presence alone, Zobrist might be that player.

Another bench option

Remember how many of the pre-deadline discussions had to do with the Cubs lacking in depth off the bench? That talking point was one of the reasons that the front office went after Tony Kemp.

Well, Zobrist provides even more depth. Aside from his ability to play second base and either corner outfield position, he could prove to be exceedingly valuable as a switch-hitting option off the bench, especially considering his success against left-handed pitching. Should guys like Ian Happ or Bote struggle, Zobrist can step in and plug that hole.

Granted, we have no idea how Zobrist will perform if and when he returns to the MLB level. However, from an intangible standpoint, his presence in the clubhouse is invaluable. The Cubs should hope he progresses further at Triple-A as he hopes to rejoin his teammates as soon as possible.