MESA, Ariz. _ Kyle Schwarber passed his first test at catcher Friday.
The Cubs slugger caught four innings in a minor league game, the first time he played the position since undergoing reconstructive left knee surgery 11 months ago.
"I love catching," said Schwarber, the starting left fielder. "Whenever I played baseball I always was a catcher. For me to be able to do that today and feel pretty good, walking away from the day, it was a good step."
President Theo Epstein and coach Mike Borzello watched Schwarber's performance against the Rockies' Triple-A team. Schwarber blocked several pitches and made a putout at the plate.
Schwarber, however, did admit to some rustiness in setting up behind the plate with Jake Buchanan on the mound. Schwarber alternated his setup with both legs in a one-legged squat reminiscent of Tony Pena.
"Sometimes I felt late in my setup," Schwarber said.
Entering spring training, the plan was to give Schwarber catching drills at least once a week with the hope he would be ready to serve as an emergency third catcher in a major league game during the season.
"I'll be really confident," Schwarber said if he's asked to catch.
He believes he will catch at least once more before the April 2 opener in St. Louis and seemed pleased with his progress as he caught at least one bullpen session per week this spring.
"We were trying to find the right time," Schwarber said. "It just happened to be (Friday). It was great. Everything went well, and I'm happy with it."
Schwarber expected to be sore on Friday. "For sure," he said. "I'll be ready for it."
