Joe Maddon Says Kyle Schwarber is the Cubs' Emergency Catcher
By Michael Luciano
The Chicago Cubs have been thrown into disarray following the injury to All-Star catcher Willson Contreras, who will miss at least four weeks due to a hamstring injury. With the promotion of Taylor Davis from Triple-A, he and Victor Caratini will be the catchers on the roster for the next month.
According to Joe Maddon, if the worst happens and both Caratini and Davis go down, Kyle Schwarber will be the team's emergency catcher.
Maddon confirmed Schwarber is Cubs' emergency catcher:
— Tony Andracki (@TonyAndracki23) August 5, 2019
"Oh yeah. He was already talking to me yesterday about wanting to start a game back there."
Schwarber, who was selected fourth overall in the 2014 draft out of Indiana, came up through the minors as a catcher, but was moved to left field in order to both prevent the wear and tear catching will do to your body and open up a spot for Contreras. Schwarber has caught 25 games in his career, the most recent of which came last season.
Schwarber is hitting .228 with 25 home runs and 55 RBIs this season, and could certainly provide more offensive pop than either Caratini or Davis can.
Kyle Schwarber has a .969 OPS since the all star break
— Maddux ?? (@schwarberhype) August 4, 2019
The trade of Martin Maldonado has left the Cubs bereft of talent behind the plate, but Schwarber could be called upon to save the day, if need be.