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Could Kyle Schwarber Play Outfield In Game 3? Cubs Are Holding Out Hope

(CBS) Two games into a return from a serious knee injury, Cubs slugger Kyle Schwarber hasn't been cleared to play defense yet, but after another strong performance as the designated hitter without any signs of inhibition in a 5-1 win against the Indians in Game 2 of the World Series, the question has been raised.

Can Schwarber start in left field in Game 3 on Friday?

"It's going to be what the doctors tell us," manager Joe Maddon said late Wednesday after his Cubs evened the World Series at 1-1.

"I honestly don't know."

The Cubs will have a workout Thursday at Wrigley Field. If he gets permission from doctors, Schwarber will shag fly balls, Maddon said. Presuming that goes well, he could potentially get clearance to play defense Friday.

The Cubs could certainly use Schwarber's bat in the lineup. He's 3-of-7 with two RBIs and two walks, and Maddon has benched outfielder Jason Heyward in the first two games because of his season-long hitting struggles.

Maddon emphasized he hadn't had a detailed discussion with the doctors or training staff yet.

"There's nothing watching him that tells me he's inhibited right now," Maddon said.

Maddon has "total faith" that Schwarber could track down fly balls, but the risk factor for re-injuring his knee must be considered. Schwarber returned in Game 1 on Tuesday after missing the previous 169 games with a torn ACL and torn LCL in his left knee.

"My concern is what the doctor does say regarding lateral movement, quick stops, abrupt stops, change of direction," Maddon said. "Those are the kinds of things I don't know anything about. I'm certain if we went out there with a fungo and hit fly balls, he's going to look somewhat normal going after fly balls.

"I don't know the biological component of this. I don't even attempt to try to get involved with that.

"He's a different cat, he absolutely is."

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