Cubs' Kyle Schwarber Out For The Season With ACL, LCL Tears

By Bruce Levine--

(CBS) Cubs left fielder Kyle Schwarber's injuries are as bad as they looked.

The 23-year-old Schwarber will miss the remainder of the season with an ACL tear and LCL tear in his left knee after an outfield collision in Thursday's win at Arizona. An MRI on Friday revealed the extent of the second-year pro's injuries. In addition, Schwarber has a severe left ankle sprain, which the team revealed Thursday night before the full evaluation.

Schwarber's rehab is expected to take anywhere from six to nine months, a source said, and he'll still need to work his way back into baseball form after that.

In Schwarber's place, infielder Munenori Kawasaki was expected to be added to the Cubs' roster. Jorge Soler figures to get the majority of playing time in Schwarber's absence and will start in left field in Friday's game. The Cubs also have reserve outfielder Matt Sczcur and regular third baseman Kris Bryant at their disposal. Bryant shifted to left field Thursday night after Schwarber exited the game. If Bryant sees more time in left field, infielder Tommy La Stella then figure to be called upon at third base more often.

In the bottom of the second inning, Schwarber had a nasty collision with center fielder Dexter Fowler. On a Jean Segura drive into that gap that went for an inside-the-park homer, Schwarber and Fowler converged, with Fowler clipping Schwarber low. After lying on the ground and being tended to by trainers for several minutes, Schwarber tried to walk on his own but couldn't without severe pain. He was then carted off the field.

"It had things written all over it," manager Joe Maddon said. "The guy hits the ball in one spot we can't cover. I'd just rather see the ball go over the fence right there. We'd have been fine."

Scwharber didn't have any regret on how it played out.

"We were playing hard," Schwarber told reporters postgame. "I have no regrets about playing hard and getting hurt."

The loss of Schwarber is a big blow to the Cubs, who since his debut last season have averaged 5.5 runs with him in the lineup and 3.3 runs with him out of it, according to ESPN Stats & Info. Schwarber hit .246 with 16 homers, 43 RBIs and an .842 OPS in 69 games last season. He also was the team's most dangerous hitter in the 2015 postseason, when he homered five times in nine games.

Schwarber was set to be right-hander Jason Hammel's personal catcher of sorts this year in an effort to develop behind the plate as well, but that plan is now on hold.

The Cubs should also get infielder/outfielder Javier Baez back soon. He's nursing a sore left thumb and had his rehab delayed a few days after getting hit by a pitch. Maddon doesn't expect him back for Monday's home opener, but soon after is in play.

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