NEW YORK – Ben Zobrist is done with minor-league games, but the Cubs still plan to activate the 2016 World Series MVP by the end of the weekend and use him in a platoon role during the September stretch drive.
Team president Theo Epstein said Zobrist took simulated “game at-bats” Tuesday as he continues to work from his home in Nashville the final few days of the month, facing pitchers from the organization the Cubs have sent to work with him.
Zobrist, 38, is just 7-for-37 (.189) with eight walks in four brief minor-league stops as he returns from a nearly four-month personal leave, including 1-for-16 with two walks for AAA Iowa.
“His at-bats have been pretty good, and he’s driven the ball,” Epstein said. “The batting average isn’t where you’d want it to be, but I think we have to look beyond that a little bit. It’s such a small sample size.
“He’s in pretty good shape; it’s really just about his timing, being able to be ready for the fastball and also adjust to secondary stuff. So that’s what he’s working on right now against live pitching.”
Manager Joe Maddon said he expects an initial, adrenaline/emotion-charged focus and “really high level of at-bats” when Zobrist returns to the team.
“We still think utilized the right way and in the right matchups, and not asking him to do too much, that he can really help us,” Epstein said.
Zobrist has been on unpaid leave since the first week of May dealing with family issues related to his pending divorce. He is expected to be activated after Saturday’s game, in time to be playoff eligible.
Rizzo update
First baseman Anthony Rizzo, who hasn’t played since leaving Saturday’s game because of middle-back pain, might miss the entire Mets series this week, but Epstein’s “not overly concerned” that he’ll be out longer than a few days.
“But these games are important so you hate to miss him for a couple days,” said Epstein, who said “there’s a chance” Rizzo could return for Thursday’s series finale.
“It’s a situation where you have to be smart for a couple days to avoid more serious injury that will have him out for a longer period of time.”
Contreras close?
Catcher Willson Contreras, who hasn’t played since injuring his right hamstring Aug. 3, took batting practice on the field Tuesday for the first time since the injury and caught Jon Lester’s between-starts bullpen.
“I think we’re getting there, making a lot of progress,” said Epstein, who expects Contreras to start a rehab assignment within the week for Iowa, which has at least one playoff series that will take its schedule beyond Labor Day.
Contreras, the NL’s starting All-Star catcher the past two seasons, is hitting .275 with 19 homers and an .890 OPS in 87 games during a season he has been on the injured list twice (also foot).
Cubs catchers are 17-for-77 (.221) with two homers since (entering Mets series).
Hamels on baby watch
Left-hander Cole Hamels returned home to the San Diego area on paternity leave (maximum three days) and is expected to make his next start as scheduled, Saturday against the Brewers.
The Cubs recalled reliever James Norwood to take his place on the roster until he returns.
