Javier Baez to remain in infield

May 27--There's little doubt among Chicago Cubs officials that Javier Baez is one of the organization's best athletes.

But there are no plans to move Baez to the outfield despite the logjam of middle infielders, according to Jason McLeod, the Cubs' senior vice president of scouting and player development.

"There are no immediate plans outside shortstop and second base," McLeod said. "He does kid around and take some flies in the outfield. We might have him do some of those things, but it wouldn't be predicated on what's happening up here."

When asked again about why not putting Baez in the outfield, McLeod reiterated, "No plans are in the works to do that. I want to make that clear."

Baez is batting .311 with five home runs and 17 RBIs for Triple-A Iowa, but the Cubs continue to take a patient approach with him. Jaron Madison, the Cubs' director of player development, has monitored the work of Baez and other prospects at Iowa.

Meanwhile, McLeod said the chances of left-handed hitting catcher Kyle Schwarber receiving a major league promotion would be predicated on how the major league team was faring heading into September and what their needs were.

"A lot of us believe in his ability," McLeod said. "If the need is there to come up here and help the team win later, I think he can do it.''

Schwarber, in his first full professional season, is batting .305 with 10 home runs and 26 RBIs for the Class AA Tennessee Smokies. In 113 minor-league games over two seasons, Schwarber is batting .331 with 28 home runs and 79 RBI.