The phrases “hurry up and wait some more” sound about proper.
With Chicago’s sports activities desk all set for Ben Zobrist’s anticipated return to the large leagues Sunday in opposition to the Brewers at Wrigley Field, anticipation is understandably excessive. The 38-year-old former World Series MVP — who have to be formally activated by Saturday night time as a way to be eligible for the postseason — has been on unpaid go away since early May, tending to household points amid a pending divorce.
But there’s a reasonably good probability Zobrist, a swap hitter who is best from the left facet, will watch from the bench Sunday as his crew faces Brewers lefthander Gio Gonzalez. It may very well be extra of the identical Monday in opposition to Mariners lefty starter Justus Sheffield.
Mariners righty Felix Hernandez is lined as much as face the Cubs on Tuesday. Before then, Zobrist, who was 7-for-37 (.189) with eight walks in 4 minor-league stops in August, may very well be on pinch-hitting responsibility solely.
“Probably a slower break-in,” supervisor Joe Maddon mentioned. “I don’t want to throw too much, too soon. He’ll let me know exactly where he’s at. I’ll see it, and then just try to make our best guesses after that.”
Maddon is hoping for a comparatively regular Sunday, with Zobrist assembly the media after which mixing again in as seamlessly as he can with teammates.
“I trust ‘Zo’ in a moment like that,” he mentioned. “How may you not? I’m certain he’s going to deal with it actually, rather well. I don’t assume the gamers are going to be as impacted simply due to who he’s and the way he comports [himself]. They’ll assist him. …
“We perceive the truth that individuals are going to need to hear from him a bit, however I’ve a lot religion, actually, in how he’ll deal with the entire thing. I’m certain he’ll speak after which it’ll be over.”