PITTSBURGH _ Kyle Schwarber has caught only five innings in three games this season, but manager Joe Maddon says he has no reservations about leaving his struggling slugger behind the plate for an extended period if needed.
"I think given the opportunity, he would be fine back there," Maddon said.
Schwarber has been limited catching after undergoing surgery in April 2016 to repair two torn ligaments in his left knee. Schwarber knows the catching is in good hands with Willson Contreras and left-handed hitting veteran Miguel Montero but he could get more playing time behind the plate in 2018 if his knee can withstand the rigors.
"He has been bugging me to do this," Maddon said of Schwarber, who plays left field and handled the designated-hitter duties in interleague games in American League ballparks. "He's a great student. It's good to get him there once in a while so he can feel it."
Maddon likes the way Schwarber runs a game behind the plate, from pitch calling to studying pitchers and hitters, while adding that his throwing has improved.
