LOS ANGELES _ Ben Zobrist rejoining the Cubs before the end of the season is still possible.
Cubs President Theo Epstein emphasized that Zobrist's family remains a major priority while he remains on the restricted list in the wake of he and wife Julianna filing for divorce from each other one month ago.
But based on Epstein's comments, there is a chance the valuable 38-year-old switch-hitter could return.
"I think he's got an idea in mind of how he would like this to go, that his priorities are clear and it's family first," Epstein said Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. "So for the immediate future, that's what he's going to be attending to. Certainly the door is open and the possibility of a return is there for him later in the season.
"We'll see how things evolve. We'd all love to see him back here, and he'd love to come back. So we'll see if that can come to fruition."
Epstein has remained in contact since Zobrist was placed on the restricted list on May 8, but he would not discuss talks Zobrist may have had with his teammates. Nevertheless, Epstein carefully addressed a question about whether he was more optimistic of a return by Zobrist than he had been previously.
"I think there's been a little definition added to it ever since we last spoke," Epstein said. "But his priorities have to be with his family situation, and there could be a point later on that would allow him to get ready to come back, but nothing has been determined yet."
