(670 The Score) As veteran utilityman Ben Zobrist's unconventional rehab process will soon stretch into a fourth week, general manager Jed Hoyer made clear Thursday that there will be a role for him when he returns to the Cubs.
"He's absolutely going to contribute to this team," Hoyer said on the Mully & Haugh Show. "I think just being on the team given his makeup, his career and who he is, that makes a big difference. But I think he's going to contribute on the field as well. I don't know what that looks like at this point. He could end up playing every day. He could end up being an outstanding pinch-hitter. He could do some of both. I don't think we know what that looks like yet, but I don't think there's any question with the way he handles an at-bat and the way he carries himself will make a big difference."
Zobrist, 38, took a personal leave of absence from the Cubs in early May as he went through divorce proceedings. He continues to eye a return to the Cubs by Sept. 1.
Zobrist has played nine minor league games on his rehab assignment, starting at Class-A South Bend on Aug. 2. He's batting .222 (6-of-27) with two homers, four RBIs, five walks and an .825 OPS in those games. Zobrist is expected to play for Double-A Tennessee on Thursday and then again for Triple-A Iowa on Friday and Saturday.
Zobrist was the MVP of the World Series when the Cubs broke their 108-year championship drought in 2016. He struggled earlier this season before stepping away, hitting .241 with a .596 OPS and just one extra-base hit in 83 at-bats.
"I know the guys will be very excited to have him back," Hoyer said. "He's going to contribute. I just don't exactly what shape that's going to take at this point."
