Chicago Cubs

Cubs Infielder Ben Zobrist Reportedly Set to Begin Minor League Stint

Zobrist has been on the restricted list since May after filing for divorce

Chicago Cubs infielder Ben Zobrist hasn’t played in a game since May, but it appears he will begin making his way back on Friday, as multiple reports indicate he will begin a minor league stint.

Zobrist, who has been on the restricted list after filing for divorce from his wife Julianna, will report to the Cubs’ Class-A affiliate in South Bend, according to reports from Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune and David Kaplan of NBC Sports Chicago.

Since Zobrist is not currently on the Cubs’ 40-man roster, he would have to accept a roster move optioning him to the minor leagues in order to start back on the path toward big league baseball.

Zobrist has 10 RBIs and one extra-base hit in 99 plate appearances this season, and has appeared in 26 games for the Cubs. The expectation is that Zobrist will be activated before Sept. 1 in order to be eligible for postseason play, giving him nearly a full month to prepare for his return.

The South Bend Cubs will be in action on Friday night against the West Michigan Whitecaps, a Single-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers.

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