Schwarber Joins Cubs, MLB Season Returns Today

CHICAGO -- Catcher Kyle Schwarber, the Cubs' 2014 first-round pick, will join the team in Atlanta when they begin play in the second half Friday, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

Schwarber will take Miguel Montero's place on the roster as the latter player will be put on the 15-day disabled list with a jammed thumb. He'll see a hand specialist Friday before the Cubs determine a course of action.

Schwarber, 22, was just named MVP of the Futures Game in Cincinnati, where he tripled and drove in two runs. He looked impressive in his first stint in the major leagues as a designated hitter in interleague games last month. He was 8-for-22 with a home run and six RBIs before being sent to Triple-A Iowa.

The Cubs wanted Schwarber to develop his catching skills before coming back up but Montero's injury has changed things. Schwarber will not become the every-day starter in Montero's absence, according to the source. The Cubs will employ three catchers, including veterans David Ross and Taylor Teagarden. Schwarber is the lone lefthander in that group.

Friday, July 17 Schedule (All Times Central)

Kansas City at Chicago, 1:10 p.m.

Los Angeles at Washington, 6:05 p.m.

Seattle at New York, 6:05 p.m.

Miami at Philadelphia, 6:05 p.m.

Tampa Bay at Toronto, 6:07 p.m.

Baltimore at Detroit, 6:08 p.m.

Cleveland at Cincinnati, 6:10 p.m.

Chicago at Atlanta, 6:35 p.m.

Pittsburgh at Milwaukee, 7:10 p.m.

Texas at Houston 7:10 p.m.

Kansas City at Chicago, 7:10 p.m.

New York at St. Louis, 7:15 p.m.

San Francisco at Arizona, 8:40 p.m.

Boston at Los Angeles, 9:05 p.m.

Minnesota at Oakland, 9:05 p.m.

Colorado at San Diego, 9:10 p.m.