CINCINNATI — Kyle Schwarber’s offensive exploits have dominated headlines, and rightly so.
The 22-year-old catcher is the first Cubs player with two four-hit games in his first 11 big-league games since at least 1914. On Tuesday night, Schwarber became the first Cubs rookie to hit two homers in the ninth inning or later.
But the sub-plot to Schwarber’s success is his improvement behind the plate, which is paramount for the Cubs, who might need to consider moving him to the outfield when catcher Miguel Montero returns from the disabled list.
For now, Cubs manager Joe Maddon wants Schwarber to be the best catcher he can be.
“I know everyone is going to focus on his hitting, and it’s pretty impressive,” Maddon said. “Since I’ve seen him in Spring Training, he’s gotten better receiving, holding a strike. He’s definitely gotten better blocking. He’s going to get better with that. But he needs to see the league. He needs to understand the pitchers. He needs to understand the opposing hitters.”
Maddon said Schwarber, who made 36 appearances in left field in the minors, is working closely with Cubs catching coach Mike Borzello and veteran catcher David Ross to improve his defense behind the plate.
There was a moment in the second inning of Tuesday night’s game when starter Jason Hammel and Schwarber got their signals crossed, resulting in a wild pitch which led to a run.
“I called a slider and he threw a heater. I thought, ‘OK, I’ll go out and give him a courtesy talk’,” said Schwarber, laughing.
Later in Tuesday’s game, Schwarber became the first Cubs player since Andre Dawson in 1990 to hit a game-tying home run in the ninth inning and then a game-winning homer in extras.
In his first 11 major league games, Schwarber batted .410 with two doubles, a triple, three homers and 10 RBIs.
Schwarber went 2-for-3 with a RBI in the first game of Wednesday’s doubleheader, won by Cincinnati 9-1. He struck out twice in the nightcap, a 6-5 Chicago win.
“He’s catching up defensively,” Maddon said. “Which is very important to him and to us. Don’t discount that.”
Fantasy Update: He may take a day off or two during the week, but this guy can flat-out hit. He’s useful now in every fantasy format. Get him on your team because he could be in line for a big second half.