This is not the sounding of a five-alarm fire. It’s not a fit of pique or exasperation. Hopefully, it’s not a moment of blatant insensitivity.
But Thursday marks one month since Cubs veteran Ben Zobrist last played in a game, and, well, I have a question. It’s not asked lightly. There’s no playbook for how to deal with the circumstances surrounding Zobrist, who has been on an unusually long personal leave of absence as he and wife Julianna go through divorce proceedings.
Again, though, that question:
Is Zobrist on this team or isn’t he?
The Cubs continue to place no timetable on the return of a player they’re just plain better with than without.