The Chicago Cubs entered the season as World Series favorites. With a lineup loaded with young talent and an improved rotation, the tools seemed to be in place for a great season. Unfortunately, baseball always finds a way to show its cruel side and it was seen again on Friday when it was announced Cubs left fielder Kyle Schwarber is out for the season after suffering a torn ACL and LCL.
Schwarber suffered the injury on Thursday night when he collided in left-centerfield with Dexter Fowler. His leg twisted and Schwarber immediately collapsed to the ground, grabbing at his leg in agony and laid on the ground for several moments before being carted off.
Schwarber entered the season with high expectations, with many expecting a 25-plus home run season from the young slugger. After an offseason that saw the Cubs add Jason Heyward and bring back Fowler, Schwarber was set to handle most of the time in left field over Jorge Soler.
Now with Schwarber out for the season, Soler sees a significant bump in fantasy value with the jump in at bats. Soler had an up-and-down 2015 season, slugging 18 home runs but only putting up a 2.262 batting average and striking out 121 times in 33 at bats. He should be owned in every league now and offers nice DFS matchup upside, but he is largely a power only play.
The loss of Schwarber could also mean Kris Bryant making some starts in left field and could land him outfield eligibility before long.