Theo Epstein Says He Expects Ben Zobrist to Return This Season

The expectation for the Chicago Cubs is to have their super-utility man back in the lineup before this season is over.

Ben Zobrist, who has been away from the team since the beginning of May while he goes through a divorce, could see the field sometime in September.

Although it seems likely Zobrist will return late in the season, Theo Epstein is not relying on his return to save the Cubs’ season. Expect Epstein and the Cubs to remain aggressive as the MLB Trade Deadline approaches.

In the short amount of playing time this season, Zobrist is hitting .241 with a .343 OBP in only 83 at-bats. His return to a struggling Cubs team would be a welcome addition.

The Cubs could really use the help, as they have not won a series dating all the way back to early June when they swept the St. Louis Cardinals in a three-game set. A team with high expectations like Chicago will look to buy, rather than sell, at the deadline.

Even with the recent struggles, the Cubs remain in first place in the NL Central at 47-42.