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Kyle Schwarber Will Be Recalled By Cubs; Miguel Montero Out With Thumb Injury

There's a report that the Cubs' top prospect will join the team to start the second half in Atlanta.

By Al Yellon
We might be seeing quite a bit of this in upcoming Cubs games.
We might be seeing quite a bit of this in upcoming Cubs games.
Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

There has been no confirmation by the Cubs nor any Chicago-based beat writer, but MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo -- generally a reputable source -- has Kyle Schwarber news for us:

It's entirely possible the Cubs will continue with three catchers on the roster, because if Taylor Teagarden were sent down, that would mean Schwarber and David Ross would be in a strict platoon, which I don't think the Cubs are ready for -- and neither is Schwarber, in my opinion. If they do send Teagarden down and decide to go with just Schwarber and Ross, they could bring Matt Szczur or Junior Lake back. Mike Baxter 's not eligible to be recalled yet, as he was optioned to Iowa just last Sunday.

Schwarber hasn't played any outfield in the minor leagues this year, though he did play some left field last year in his first professional season. I assume the Cubs would also use him at times in the outfield, and at times as a pinch-hitter. He'll almost certainly be the DH for the team when they play their three remaining interleague road games, against the White Sox at the Cell next month.

UPDATES via Carrie Muskat:

That's going to leave the Cubs with a very non-flexible bench, as they will have two backup catchers, Jonathan Herrera, and whoever doesn't start between Chris Coghlan and Chris Denorfia. Ross has never played anything but catcher (well, yeah, he pitched, but you know what I mean). Teagarden played a handful of games at first base last year and this year. I'd like to see the Cubs drop a relief pitcher and bring in another bench player. We'll see what happens.

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