Spring Headlines: Kyle Schwarber leaves game with minor knee issue

(AP Photo/David Banks) Chicago Cubs fans may have experienced a brief scare Thursday, but things don’t appear to be serious. Outfielder Kyle Schwarber left the team’s spring contest early due to left knee soreness.

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While the loss of the 23-year-old for any extended period would have sent the Cubs faithful into a tizzy, it appears that won’t be the case. Schwarber believes the injury is minor, and will only miss a couple of days. He said he tweaked his knee while making a throw.

That comes as a relief to many. Though the Cubs have enough depth to weather extended injuries, losing Schwarber for a long period of time would certainly hurt the club.

In his first season in the majors, Schwarber showed some impressive skills, hitting .246/.355/.487, with 16 home runs. There are still some areas where he can improve, notably his 28.2 percent strikeout rate. But few players can provide that type of pop.

OTHER SPRING HEADLINES
Whatever it takes: Cincinnati Reds sluggers Joey Votto and Jay Bruce are working on their bunting this spring, but for a good reason. [Cincinnati Enquirer]

Have fun: Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper says baseball should embrace celebrations as part of the game. [The Stew]

Not so fast: Former New York Yankees reliever Goose Gossage believes fun and nerds are ruining baseball. [The Stew]

He’s gone: Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard met with MLB investigators Thursday to discuss the Al Jazeera report that suggested he took performance enhancing drugs. [@JSalisburyCSN]

Uh oh: Los Angeles Angels pitcher Jered Weaver was sent for a precautionary MRI after experiencing pain in his neck. [@Alden_Gonzalez]

Not again: Oakland Athletics pitcher Jarrod Parker walked off the mound after only throwing 12 pitches Thursday. He has an elbow impingement, and was sent for an MRI. [San Francisco Chronicle]

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