Cubs add Kyle Schwarber to World Series roster

CLEVELAND — Chicago Cubs slugger Kyle Schwarber, who missed all but two regular season games, was added to the World Series roster on the morning of Game 1.

During Monday's media session, manager Joe Maddon said the decision to add Schwarber wasn't going to be made until after he played in his second Arizona Fall League game in Mesa.

After the game, Schwarber boarded a plane to Cleveland and was re-evaluated in advance of Tuesday's Game 1 at Progressive Field. It's likely he'll serve as the Cubs' designated hitter for the games scheduled in Cleveland.

In order to add Schwarber to the roster, the Cubs deactivated pitcher Rob Zastryzny, who did not appear in their first two playoff series.

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Schwarber tore two ligaments in his left knee in the team's opening series in April against the Arizona Diamondbacks. He was cleared to hit by doctors last week and played in two games in the Fall League as the designated hitter. While it was a longshot for Schwarber to return just six months after reconstructive knee surgery, his bat will be a welcoming addition to the lineup.

Schwarber hit 16 homers over 69 games in 2015 and became a postseason hero last October, slugging five homers.

In two Fall League games, Schwarber went 1-for-6, including a double.

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