Joe Maddon says he is preparing for a worst-case scenario of Ben Zobrist not returning this season.
Zobrist last played for the Chicago Cubs on May 6 and has been away from the team due to personal reasons. The reason was later revealed to be a divorce with his wife Julianna.
Maddon says he hopes Zobrist won’t be away from the team all season, but he needs to prepare for that possibility. He also says Zobrist has been away from the team long enough that it would not be easy for him to return immediately.
“I hope that’s not the case,” Maddon said Tuesday, via the Chicago Sun Times. “But he’s at the point now where if he chose to come back, it’s going to take him a while to get back up to speed, too. We have to mentally be prepared that we will not have him.”
The flexibility, versatility, and positive attitude are traits Zobrist offers that they will miss. A three-time All-Star, Zobrist plays most infield and outfield positions and has seen time and both corner outfield spots, second base, and DH this season. Though his .241 batting average is down from the .305 mark he had last year, his walk-to-strikeout ratio is strong, indicating his plate discipline has not eluded him.
Maybe Zobrist will be back with the Cubs at some point. Maddon is doing the responsible thing and trying to make all preparations for the possibility of being without the utilityman.
