CINCINNATI – If anybody had forgotten about Ben Zobrist’s minor-league efforts to return to big-league playing shape for the Cubs’ final push, he’s threatening to put a quick end to that during his latest stop in Myrtle Beach.
The 2016 World Series MVP has homered in his first two games since joining the Cubs’ Carolina League, advanced A affiliate, including a leadoff shot in the first inning Friday.
Team officials have taken a “cautiously optimistic” approach to the 38-year-old’s efforts in the last week or so to prepare to play after nearly three months away from the team on personal leave while he took care of family business related to his pending divorce.