MILWAUKEE -- The Cubs value Ben Zobrist for his professional approach in the batter's box and his quiet leadership behind the scenes in the clubhouse. The veteran will always have a home in the hearts of Cubs fans as the MVP of the 2016 World Series.
Zobrist is now planning on doing all he can to continue his tenure in Chicago.
"Zo has indicated to us that he does plan on attempting to come back," Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein said prior to Friday's game against the Brewers. "That's really good news."
The 38-year-old Zobrist has been on Major League Baseball's restricted list since May 8 to dedicate his time and attention to a family situation. Epstein announced that the utility man has been getting himself back into baseball shape and plans on beginning a Minor League assignment as soon as next weekend.
Epstein noted that MLB allows non-suspended players on the restricted list a 30-day window before being required to be activated. If everything goes according to plan, the Cubs would need to reinstate Zobrist by the end of Aug. 31 in order for him to be eligible for the postseason.
"We have complete and utter trust in Zo as a person and Zo as a professional," Epstein said. "He knows everything that it takes, especially at his age, to play at a high level. Everything that it takes physically, everything that it takes mentally. If he tells us that he thinks he can give this a shot and that he has a chance to return and play at a high level, then we trust him."
Prior to going on the restricted list, Zobrist was batting .241 with a .596 OPS in 26 games. Last year, the 14-year veteran hit at a .305 clip with an .896 OPS in 139 games, while mostly bouncing between second base and the corner-outfield spots.
Even with Zobrist planning on making a comeback, Epstein said the Cubs will continue to explore position-player help before Wednesday's 3 p.m. CT Trade Deadline.
"There's still some things that need to happen," Epstein said. "He needs to have a successful rehab assignment and stay healthy. We factor it in. We hope to have great depth and that he'll be a big part of that, but it's not something we're going to hang our hat on and say our position-player mix is completely settled because Ben's going to attempt to come back for us.
"We're thrilled by the news, happy for him, happy for us and we understand there's still a lot of steps that have to happen. But we think there's a chance that he could come back and really add to our depth. He brings unique things to the table -- in the clubhouse and on the field.
"We hope for our sake and for his that he's able to complete this process and come back and really contribute. It'd be great for everybody if that happens."
Worth noting
• Left-hander Cole Hamels (10-day injured list, left oblique) threw a bullpen session on Thursday and is scheduled to make a rehab start for Triple-A Iowa on Sunday. Manager Joe Maddon said it is possible that Hamels will be ready to be activated to start in the Aug. 2-4 series against the Brewers at Wrigley Field.
• Lefty Jon Lester, who was scratched from his scheduled start on Wednesday in San Francisco due to illness, will now start Saturday in Milwaukee. Maddon said the motivation to start Lester on Saturday -- bumping Jose Quintana to Sunday -- was simply to get the veteran back on the mound as soon as possible.