Cubs wait to make World Series roster decision on Kyle Schwarber

CLEVELAND -- Joe Maddon said the decision to add Chicago Cubs outfielder Kyle Schwarber to the World Series roster won't be made until after Schwarber played in Monday's in Arizona Fall League game.

If Schwarber, who is reportedly on a plane headed to Cleveland, was added, he would likely serve as a designated hitter in games played at Cleveland's Progressive Field.

"Reports are good," said Maddon. "We're going to wait until after he plays tonight and make an evaluation after that.

"He's doing everything well and right and given us another option to think about."

Game 1 of the World Series is on Tuesday, and rosters are due by 10 a.m.

While it remains a longshot for Schwarber to return just six months after reconstructive knee surgery, the specter of getting their slugging catcher/outfielder back was heartening for the Cubs.

Cubs, Indians World Series droughts raise stakes

"I'm into that, for sure," says pitcher John Lackey, who talked to him several times in recent days.

“It’s going to be really big,” says second baseman Javier Baez. “Sometimes we need a big hitter in our lineup. Having him here would be huge for us.”

Schwarber missed nearly the entire season after he tore two ligaments in his left knee in the team's opening series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. He was cleared to hit by doctors last week and played in two games in the Fall League as the designated hitter.

Schwarber hit 16 homers over 69 games in 2015 and became a postseason hero last October, slugging five homers.

"If he's ready," says first baseman Anthony Rizzo, "it will be a big boost for us."

Gallery: World Series matchup