Cubs slugger Kyle Schwarber could return for World Series

CHICAGO — It seems far-fetched, considering Kyle Schwarber has not played since the third game of the season, but the Chicago Cubs are entertaining the possibility of adding him to their roster if they reach the World Series.

Schwarber, who tore two ligaments in his left knee in the team's opening series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, has been cleared by doctors to hit and will join the Cubs' Mesa team in the Arizona Fall League. Schwarber hit 16 homers last season and hit five homers in the postseason, becoming the Cubs’ career postseason home run leader.

Cubs manager Joe Maddon said the 23-year-old went for a checkup a few days ago "and the doctor said, 'Hey, he can hit.'"

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The Cubs hold a 3-2 lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series entering Game 6 on Saturday night. Their offense has struggled in the postseason, in particular right fielder Jason Heyward, who was benched Saturday.

"There's a chance," Maddon said about the possibility of Schwarber playing in the World Series. "I don't know to what extent we would be able to use him or not, but just want to explore the possibilities."

If Schwarber shows that he can hit, he likely would replace outfielder Jorge Soler or catcher Miguel Montero.

Heyward is hitting just .071, with two hits in 28 at-bats, and eight strikeouts. Soler is hitless in eight at-bats with three strikeouts.

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