Joe Maddon Says Ben Zobrist is Set to Start Rehab Assignment 'Soon' After Long Absence

Ben Zobrist hasn't played a game for the Chicago Cubs since taking a personal leave of absence from the club in mid-May after his wife, Julianna, filed for divorce.

The three-time All-Star admirably opted to spend time with his family but almost nobody within the MLB landscape thought his spell would extend until late July.

The last we heard of the 38-year-old utility man came in mid-June, when it was reported that he wasn't expected to return until September. Fast forward to July 26, however, and general manager Theo Epstein has finally provided an update: Zobrist is allegedly set to begin a rehab assignment sometime in the near future.

It's about time, no?

It remains to be seen or reported as to how long Ben's regimen will last. But when you consider how long he's been out of the game (over two months), we would assume it would consume a few weeks' time, or even as long as a month.

The ageless vet might just be batting .241 to go with a woeful .596 OPS, but the importance of his return cannot be understated. The Cubbies have struggled to firmly fill his position at second base -- despite the fact that Addison Russell has been given ample opportunities to prove his worth.

Hopefully Zobrist's mind is clear of the previously-prevalent distraction and is ready to help Chicago fight for the NL Central crown.

We'll know sooner or later.