Cubs Expecting Decision on Ben Zobrist's Status Soon

Chicago Cubs utility player Ben Zobrist hasn't seen the field since early May, as he has taken a personal leave of absence ever since he and his wife Julianna filed for divorce.

With the second half of the season officially underway, the team can't afford to wait around for the veteran forever. According to president of baseball operations Theo Epstein, they are expecting a decision on Zobrist's future within the week.

"We’re going to know something more in about a week," Epstein said. "That will be when it’s time to ultimately make a decision, because he’ll need to really ramp up baseball activities or not.”

Epstein also added that "he’ll be all in or it’ll be ruled out through mutual agreement, because there’s a requisite amount of time where he’ll have to get back into real, full baseball activities and play a bunch of minor league games."

Zobrist has struggled in his age-38 season, hitting only .241 without any home runs, just one year removed from hitting .305.

The Cubs are still in need of Zobrist's trademark defensive versatility and clubhouse leadership, but his personal life might be enough to preclude him from returning to action in a timely manner.