MESA, Ariz. — The protective brace on Kyle Schwarber’s left knee represents insurance for the future.
But the Cubs haven’t completely dismissed the notion of Schwarber serving as their third catcher this season after he missed 61/2 months last year before returning for the World Series.
"We’re going to really go slow with it, like one or two days a week in spring training," President Theo Epstein said on the eve of the Cubs’ first workout for pitchers and catchers. "His primary focus will be in left field."
Epstein expects team orthopedist Stephen Gryzlo to clear Schwarber, who tore two ligaments in an outfield collision on April 7, for limited catching drills.
Joe Maddon on Kyle Schwarber, Javier Baez, and future gimmicks
Cubs manager Joe Maddon on Kyle Schwarber, Javier Baez, the "That’s Cub" slogan and future gimmicks at spring training on Feb. 14, 2017. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs manager Joe Maddon on Kyle Schwarber, Javier Baez, the “That’s Cub” slogan and future gimmicks at spring training on Feb. 14, 2017. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
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Epstein emphasized "we’re just going to walk before we squat with catching and really ease into it with him."
Before Epstein’s comments, Schwarber again expressed his desire to catch but understood the medical considerations.
"If it’s not medically safe, there’s no risk,” Schwarber said after taking batting practice and shagging balls in left field.
But Schwarber, 24, who hit 21 home runs during the regular season and postseason in 2015 and went 7-for-17 (.412) in the 2016 World Series, wants to be known as more than a hitter.
"I’m sure that’s how people view me, but I want to be an all-around player," Schwarber said after hitting a home run that nearly struck a car behind right field. "I want to be able to play defense to the best of my ability. I feel confident going into this year."
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(Mark Gonzales)
Manager Joe Maddon said Schwarber may play a bigger role behind the plate after 2017.
"Maybe the catching gets more pertinent at that time as he gets well and there’s a greater need (for us) for him to play behind the plate," Maddon said.
The current plan is for Willson Contreras to catch Jon Lester and start four or five times a week, with Miguel Montero serving as a backup. With Montero in the final year of his contract, Schwarber — who was drafted as a catcher — could move into Montero’s role in 2018 in addition to playing left.
For now, Schwarber will be part of the catching group each morning but will perform physical drills only once or twice a week with coach Mike Borzello, known for his creativity in keeping catchers sharp despite age or injury limitations.
The Cubs will have a schedule mapped out for Schwarber, who was limited to designated hitter duty during the World Series because of concerns about his knee.
Jake Arrieta and Wade Davis play catch at spring training
Cubs pitchers Jake Arrieta and Wade Davis play catch at spring training on Feb. 13, 2017. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs pitchers Jake Arrieta and Wade Davis play catch at spring training on Feb. 13, 2017. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
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Moreover, Maddon fiercely defended Schwarber’s outfield skills, which were under a microscope after two misplays in the 2015 playoffs.
Coach Dave Martinez said he would work with Schwarber on his positioning.
"Before he got hurt, I joked with him that he became such a good outfielder that (he thought he would) catch everything," Martinez said last month at the Cubs Convention. "He’s going to get it. He’s a great athlete.
"He actually came a long way (as an outfielder) before he got hurt. I saw a difference last spring. Theo told me (he saw a big) difference in his first step. We’ll continue to build off that. The main thing is to keep him healthy."
mgonzales@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @MDGonzales
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