Cubs president Theo Epstein is leaving the door open for Ben Zobrist to return at some point this season.
Epstein said he's "been in constant touch" with Zobrist, who has been on the restricted list since May 7 for what was initially described as personal reasons. He and his wife, Julianna (whose maiden name is Gilbert), filed for divorce the following week after 14 years of marriage.
“I think he’s got an idea in mind how he’d like this to go,” Epstein told reporters Thursday (via the Chicago Sun Times). “But his priorities are clear that it’s family first, and so for the immediate future that’s what he’s going to be tending to. … There could be a point later on where that would allow him to theoretically come back.
“There’s been some more definition to how he hopes this thing might go.”
ESPN reports, citing an unidentified source, that Zobrist's return likely wouldn't be until late in the season (potentially in September). If he does return, team officials expect Zobrist would need a significant amount of time to practice and he would be assigned to a minor-league rehab stint before joining the lineup.
"Certainly the door is open and the possibility of a return is there for him later in the season," Epstein said. "We'll see how things evolve. We'd all love to see him back here, and he would love to be back. We'll see if that can come to fruition."
Zobrist, in the final year of a four-year deal with the Cubs, was hitting .241 with 10 RBIs in 26 games before taking time off in May.
Though there is optimism about Zobrist, Epstein isn't committing to anything just yet.
"Nothing has been determined," Epstein said.