PHOENIX, Ariz. -- Now that the dust has settled on the devastating injury to Chicago Cubs second-year player Kyle Schwarber let's examine the issues at hand. All parties involved in the collision and the aftermath -- from the front office on down -- have addressed them. Here's what you need to know:
Schwarber will fly home with the team: Initially they weren't sure if he could travel yet but Schwarber confirmed on Saturday he'll fly back with the team and get checked out by doctors on Monday. Surgery will take place once the doctors determine the knee is ready for it. The Cubs say that could be one-to-three weeks.
Will he be on hand for Opening Day ceremonies: Schwarber wasn't sure but you can bet he and the Cubs will make every effort to introduce him Monday night for the team's home opener -- crutches and all. He wants so badly to be a part of the team during his rehabilitation and this would be the first step allowing for that to happen.
The rehab: We won't know the length until after surgery and maybe not even then. Tearing two ligaments is a serious issue and predicting a timetable is tough right now, however, Schwarber rightly noted he has the whole season and offseason to get ready. Spring training seems like a realistic goal but only the doctors can say for sure.
Catching: Theo Epstein said on Friday there was no reason for Schwarber to stop catching after his rehab is over as long as he's at full strength. The Cubs will undoubtedly address this next spring.
Left field: Maddon was asked on Saturday if he preferred Jorge Soler to simply win and keep the job. "Of course" he responded. It remains to be seen if Soler can be a true every day contributor. His first test will be to be productive in cold weather. That starts Monday. Maddon again said Kris Bryant could get some starts in left as well.
Dexter Fowler: He spoke publicly for the first time since the collision on Thursday, saying his hip was sore. He expressed sorrow for "his little brother," Schwarber. He doesn't think there was much the two of them could do to avoid the collision except "not play hard." Neither called for the ball but both went for it.