Joe Maddon: Kyle Schwarber 'Really, Really Close' To Returning From Rib Injury

(CBS) Cubs rookie catcher/outfielder Kyle Schwarber is "really, really close" to returning from a right rib cage strain, manager Joe Maddon told the Spiegel and Goff Show on Tuesday.

Scwharber could be available off the bench Tuesday when Chicago plays at St. Louis.

"It was loud -- I walked into the batting cage and I just saw him finish his swing and I heard the contact," Maddon said. "This guy's been wanting to go since the second day we held him out. He's really, really close to playing. I would not be surprised if he's able to pinch hit tonight, and we're getting closer to putting him back out on the field."

Schwarber suffered the injury while taking batting practice before Wednesday's loss to the Reds. He was scratched from the lineup and hasn't played since.

The Cubs won't use Schwarber at catcher when he returns, so as to minimize the risk of doing further damage to his ribs, Bruce Levine has reported.

Schwarber is hitting .270 with 13 homers, 38 RBIs and a .917 OPS in 48 games.