Cubs' Ben Zobrist Intends to Make Return Following Extended Personal Absence

Ben Zobrist is working toward a return to the Chicago Cubs. 

MLB.com's Jordan Bastian disclosed Friday afternoon that the 38-year-old utility man "intends to try to come back," with minor league assignments planned for next week. 

"We're thrilled," Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein told Bastian while also noting MLB's 30-day window for non-suspended players on the restricted list to rehabilitate in the minors. 

According to MLB's postseason roster rules and eligibility, Zobrist will have to be back on the 40-man roster by Aug. 31 to qualify for postseason play.  

Just prior to his extended leave of absence, Zobrist was listed in the Cubs lineup for Tuesday, May 7, but was scratched an hour before the first pitch because of a "personal matter." Zobrist was then placed on the restricted list, which preceded his filing for legal separation from his wife in Williamson County, Tennessee. 

On June 5, according to Steve Greenberg of the Chicago Sun-Times, Epstein said Zobrist had been "communicative" but didn't owe the team "anything." 

"It's all honorable on his side, so whatever he decides to do we're going to definitely be on board with," manager Joe Maddon told reporters a day later. "Of course we'd love to have him back, but I have no idea how that's going to play out. ... We have to be prepared mentally that he's not going to [be back], but that doesn't mean he's not going to." 

ESPN's Jesse Rogers provided a more positive development Wednesday, reporting the Cubs will send him on a rehab assignment in August with the expectation "he can help the big league team during the final month of the season."

Before departing the team, Zobrist was hitting .241 with 10 RBI through 26 games. 

Zobrist has been with the Cubs since 2016. His most notable contribution came that year when he helped them to their first championship since 1908 and was named World Series MVP after his go-ahead RBI double in the top of the 10th gave Chicago the lead for good in Game 7 versus the Cleveland Indians.

This season is Zobrist's last on his four-year, $56 million contract.