Levine: Cubs Concerned About Kyle Schwarber's Rib Injury, Pending MRI Result

By Bruce Levine--

CHICAGO (CBS) -- The Cubs' loss to the Reds on Wednesday may be less painful than the possible loss of catcher/outfielder Kyle Schwarber. Before Chicago lost the rubber match of a three-game set at Wrigley Field, Schwarber came up hurting with sore ribs after hitting in the batting cage two hours before game time.

The Cubs confirmed they had an MRI done to check on the possible extent of the rib cage or oblique injury. Schwarber was scratched from the team's original lineup 30 minutes before the start.

"From what I know, he was in the batting cage and felt something in his side," manager Joe Maddon said. "We immediately shut it down. We got him out of there. He is undergoing some tests right now. We don't have anything to report yet. Maybe not tomorrow either, because it is an off day. For sure by Friday we should have some information."

Schwarber hit a game-winning home run Tuesday evening and now has 12 long balls since the All-Star break. That ties him for second in the NL since the break. Schwarber is also third in RBIs with 32 since July 12.

"I have no clue about Kyle," said Kris Bryant, who hit his 22nd home run to tie Wednesday's game up in the eighth inning. "I am sure he will be fine. We have a lot of people called up like Javy (Baez). Kyle has certainly been a crucial part of our success."

Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.