Schwarber has surgery; full recovery expected

April 19th, 2016

ST. LOUIS -- Kyle Schwarber underwent successful ACL reconstruction and LCL repair on his left knee Tuesday by Dallas Cowboys orthopedic specialist Dr. Daniel Cooper, and the Cubs expect a full recovery.
"It sounds like everything went as well as we could've hoped," Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer said Tuesday, adding that Cooper did not find anything unexpected during the procedure, which was done in Dallas.
Schwarber was playing left field on April 7 when he tore both ligaments in a collision with teammate Dexter Fowler at Chase Field.

Cooper has been in touch with Cubs orthopedic specialist Dr. Stephen Gryzlo regarding the procedure. Schwarber was expected to return to Chicago on Thursday to begin his rehab. The Cubs sought Cooper because of his experience with multiple ligament tears.
"We tried to find the best person in the world," Hoyer said.
Schwarber is well aware of how difficult the rehab will be.
"There's no indications he won't recover fully and be the player we expect," Hoyer said. "He knows what's ahead. He was in good spirits before [the procedure]. He had gotten over the initial shock. He'll dominate this rehab and work incredibly hard. That's what we miss the most -- we miss the bat but he's such a personality. He's such a competitor and a winner. He'll go about the rehab the same way."

Schwarber batted .246 in 69 games in his rookie campaign with the Cubs last season, hitting 16 home runs and driving in 43 runs. He was expected to play both outfield and catcher this season.
"It'll be good to get him back and part of the group again," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said.