Ben Zobrist to Be Activated Sunday, Could Bat Leadoff Right Away

The Cubs announced Friday that Ben Zobrist will indeed be activated from the restricted list when rosters expand on Sunday. Because they are facing lefty Gio González that day, Zobrist, who is better from the left side, may not play until Monday.

Then again, Joe Maddon told reporters that he would be comfortable batting Zobrist in the leadoff spot right away, even though the 38-year-old was not hitting well through his departure and hasn’t done much in the minors. And Jason Heyward’s time atop the order has clearly run its course, so it’s not inconceivable that Zo could be chucked right into the deep end.

Because Zobrist is not on the 40-man roster, his activation will require a corresponding move. With lefty reliever Brad Wieck expected to join the big club Sunday as well, that could mean a DFA for either Derek Holland or Randy Rosario.

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