Ben Zobrist of the Cubs has been on the restricted list since May 8, out on a leave of absence due to family matters.
Recently, there’s been more chatter about when and whether he might return. Here’s a quote from Theo Epstein, posted Friday:
"We're going to know something more in about a week. That will be the time to ultimately make a decision. We are not counting on this at all. We are not operating under the strong assumption he is going to be back." -Theo Epstein on Ben Zobrist
— Bernstein & McKnight (@Bernstein_McK) July 19, 2019
And here is a possible reason a decision might have to be made in that time frame:
Fourth is for Ben Zobrist: July 31
According to AZ Phil @thecubreporter, if Zo isn’t reinstated before 8/1, he’ll need commissioner approval to play again in 2019.