Pretty sure that every single Cubs fan is rooting for Ben Zobrist to have a storybook ending in 2019. Yet, you can’t argue that his comeback attempt hasn’t been the least bit odd. The Cubs have done everything possible to accommodate him.
Zobrist only played in 12 minor league games in August and spent this past week at home, facing live BP in his final ramp up before returning to the Cubs. And despite not facing MLB pitching since early May, Joe Maddon says Zobrist will most likely be a part of the mix at the leadoff spot for the Cubs.
Jason Heyward is having his best season with the Cubs by far, but ever since he’s been leading off he’s steadily declined on offense despite the overall team success.
After Thursday’s sweep against the Mets, the Cubs improved to 21-9 with Heyward at leadoff.
Overall in 2019, the Cubs still haven’t found an answer for the leadoff hitter.
There’s probably no hitter in the league who’s better at knowing the strike zone than Zobrist and even when he struggled to begin this season he had a .343 OBP because he had 14 walks in 26 games. Last year he had 55 walks and 60 strikeouts, with a .378 OBP, while also hitting for a career best .305.
So, things are shaping up for Zobrist to return and once again have a big role for the Cubs. And yeah, as much as we want to see his story end on a great note, we are kind of crossing our fingers hoping Zobrist can actually be successful after not playing for three months.
