Chicago Cubs

Cubs C Montero says he's close; what to do with rookie Schwarber?

Published Jul. 29, 2015 8:05 p.m. ET

foxsports

Chicago Cubs catcher Miguel Montero has completed his rehab assignment in Arizona for a thumb injury and says he's ready to play.

He is expected to travel to Milwaukee where the Cubs will play a four-game series over the weekend, according to ESPN. Montero's injury occurred before the All-Star break and prompted Chicago to recall Kyle Schwarber, who has been a breath of fresh air and, more important, a big bat in the Cubs' lineup.

So the obvious question is: If Montero's a go, what does manager Joe Maddon do with Schwarber?

One answer could be what he did with him for the first time Wednesday afternoon in a 3-2 win over Colorado -- play the catcher in left field.

That position switch was made possible because Maddon gave Jorge Soler, as well as shortstop Starlin Castro, the day off, so a spot in the outfield was open.

"If the situation comes up again I'll do it (again)," Schwarber told reporters after the 3-2 win over Colorado. "Whatever I can do to help the team I'll do it."

Montero is expected to get checked out by a specialist one last time, and if everything checks out, he wants back in the lineup.

The way Schwarber has swung the bat -- he was on base three more times Wednesday -- Maddon can't take him out of the lineup.

This will be interesting.

(h/t ESPN)