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Cubs' Kyle Schwarber Not Cleared To Play The Field

(CBS) Despite his offensive prowess at designated hitter in Cleveland, Kyle Schwarber won't be playing the field for the Cubs in the World Series.

With three games set under National League rules at Wrigley Field, the Cubs' team of doctors didn't clear Schwarber to play left field. He will only be available as a pinch-hitter off the bench.

"Medically, the doctors were convinced there's too much risk," Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein said Thursday, a day prior to Game 3 of the World Series.

Schwarber suffered a torn ACL and LCL in the third game of the regular season. His return for the World Series was considered a surprise to all, members of the Cubs included.

Schwarber, 23, was cleared by team doctors to play the role of designated hitter for the American League-hosted games of the World Series. He is 3-for-7 with two RBIs in Games 1 and 2 of the World Series.

The same doctors who operated on Schwarber's knee back in April and cleared him to hit wouldn't allow him to play the field, citing the movement and potential stress on his knee.

"Kyle is willing to take any risk, but he understands he has to take doctors' orders," Epstein said.

Added Schwarber: "It's not disappointing at all. It was a long shot at best."

Schwarber has a 1.274 OPS in the postseason during his young career. He hit a Cubs playoff -record five home runs in 2015, his rookie season. Schwarber has played in just 71 regular-season games during his career.

When the news came that he couldn't play, Schwarber understood the doctors' words and appreciated his chance to pinch hit.

"Not many people get this opportunity," Schwarber said. "I'm embracing this opportunity that I've got."

Schwarber will prepare during this game to pinch hit for the Cubs. Should the World Series return to Cleveland for a Game 6, he will return to the role of designated hitter.

If Schwarber's name is called upon as a pinch-hitter, he will be ready, as will the ballpark.

"I'm just going to embrace the moment," Schwarber said. "It's going to be awesome. It's the World Series at Wrigley Field. It's going to be electric. It's going to be a fun atmosphere."

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