Schwarber’s skills could be big boost for Cubs

Kyle Schwarber has been ahead of the pack throughout his brief pro career, and now he’s being issued his biggest challenge.

Don’t be surprised if the kid from Indiana University pulls it off.

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The 23-year-old, who became the franchise’s all-time leader in postseason home runs as a rookie last October, joined the Cubs late Monday night after a private jet flight to Cleveland, only two Arizona Fall League games and six months removed from reconstructive surgery on his left knee.

Game Date Time (air time/game time) Matchup TV Gm 1 Oct. 25 7:30 p.m./8 p.m. CHC @ CLE FOX Gm 2 Oct. 26 7:30 p.m./8 p.m. CHC @ CLE FOX Gm 3 Oct. 28 7:30 p.m./8 p.m. CLE @ CHC FOX Gm 4 Oct. 29 7:30 p.m./8 p.m. CLE @ CHC FOX *Gm 5 Oct. 30 8 p.m. CLE @ CHC FOX *Gm 6 Nov. 1 7:30 p.m./8 p.m. CHC @ CLE FOX *Gm 7 Nov. 2 7:30 p.m./8 p.m. CHC @ CLE FOX * If necessary | All times listed ET • World Series coverageShop for postseason gear: Cubs | Indians

Nothing’s official yet, but he’s expected to be on the World Series roster when it’s submitted (most likely replacing left-hander Rob Zastryzny, who warmed up but wasn’t used against the Dodgers) and to serve as the designated hitter in Game 1 against Corey Kluber.

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Is this nuts?

Anything but.

While Schwarber will be at a huge disadvantage having only been cleared by doctors to start hitting in the last week, he’s a left-handed-hitting version of Kris Bryant. You can question the level of pitching he faced in Arizona, but he had some good at-bats in the AFL, with a double and two walks in eight plate appearances (and another possible double taken away on a good fielding play).

The only way the Cubs will have made a mistake giving Schwarber a shot is if he reinjures his knee and is set back for 2017. He was medically cleared to start running before the clearance to hit, and Theo Epstein puts his confidence in the team’s doctors and athletic trainers.

Schwarber hasn’t played since April 7 in Arizona. He walked in his only plate appearance that night before colliding with Dexter Fowler on the warning track …

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