Cubs' Kyle Schwarber happy to hear he's staying put

CHICAGO --Chicago Cubs injured catcher/outfielder Kyle Schwarber is progressing nicely after knee surgery and happy he'll remain a Cub for a while.

Schwarber has heard the internet rumors, which include the New York Yankees wanting him in a deal for lefty reliever Andrew Miller, but team president Theo Epstein recently stated Schwarber isn't going anywhere.

"I love this organization," Schwarber said Wednesday. "I love this team. I want to stay here. Since he did say that, I did take that to heart. It means a lot.

"Rumors are going to be rumors. Until something actually happens, you don't worry about it."

In reality there was no concrete evidence the Cubs and Yankees were talking about Schwarber only reports that it would take a Schwarber-like player to acquire Miller. For now, Schwarber is simply working hard to return from two torn ligaments in his left knee, which occurred in a collision with centerfielder Dexter Fowler in the third game of the season.

"It is challenging," Schwarber said of rehab. "There are times when you're going to get frustrated because you feel like you're doing the same thing over and over again but that's just the process.

"I want to do more, but you can't do more because if you do you can definitely have another setback."

When the Cubs are at home, Schwarber will do his rehab work, which includes jogging in water, in the morning and then dress in uniform and watch the game from the dugout. He brought out the lineup card without crunches or a brace on Wednesday afternoon when the Cubs faced the Cincinnati Reds. When the Cubs are on the road he gets his rehab work in then goes home to watch them play.

"Right now it's the strengthening part," Schwarber explained. "Past the first phase, range of motion...Next step is jogging."

Schwarber says he's more aware of things around the game now that he's not playing - like twitter - but his only goal is to get back on the field as soon as possible.

"I'm going to work my butt off to get back as soon as I can whenever the timetable is," Schwarber said. "That's a good mindset to have. Whatever happens, happens."

Asked about the recent collision in the outfield between Kris Bryant and Albert Almora Jr. which brought back memories of Schwarber's own injury, the second year player had one piece of advice for the all-star Bryant.

"Don't get hurt," he said with a smirk.