Levine: Cubs' Spirits Lifted By Return Of Kyle Schwarber To Lineup

By Bruce Levine--

CLEVELAND (CBS) -- Schwarber time is now.

That's a theme for the Cubs as they look to stay afloat in the World Series with Game 6 looming Tuesday night against the Indians at Progressive Field. The Kyle Schwarber factor may be key in the Game 6 saga, as he'll bat second and fill the designated hitter role that wasn't available in the last three games at Wrigley Field.

Tuesday presents a fascinating subplot of a National League/American League reversal of strength. Under normal circumstances when an NL team visits an AL city, the NL squad is at a disadvantage without a go-to DH. In this case, Schwarber gives the Cubs a distinct advantage and a big power threat from the left side of the plate as Indians right-hander Josh Tomlin gets the start.

Schwarber was was 3-of-7 with two RBIs in the first two games of the World Series before getting just one pinch-hit at-bat in the last three games in Chicago, as he wasn't cleared to play defense early in his return from a serious knee injury in April.

"It will be great to have him back in the lineup," first baseman Anthony Rizzo said. "There is a shorter porch here in Cleveland. The weather is warmer. He has had big at-bats, and I am sure he will be ready for more."

The Cubs have struggled to score runs in postseason, including averaging just 2.0 runs and hitting .210 in the first five games of the World Series. So the return of Schwarber is welcomed.

"Kyle is a big piece of our lineup again," veteran catcher David Ross said. "We are excited about that and having a chance to extend the series. Hopefully we can take some from Game 5 back into the next one."

The return of Schwarber had manager Joe Maddon smiling.

"I am normally a bigger fan of the National League style of play," Maddon said. "Under these circumstances, where we are right now in the year, I'll take that American League game, just to get Schwarbs involved. I am very excited about writing his name into the lineup."

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