It’s official: Ben Zobrist is back

Zobrist has been added to the 40- and 25-man rosters in time to be eligible for the playoffs.

SHARE It’s official: Ben Zobrist is back
The Cubs’ Ben Zobrist cleans up after batting practice. (AP)

It’s official. Ben Zobrist is back.

The Cubs officially added Zobrist to the 40- and 25-man rosters Saturday night. To make room on the 40-man roster, Mark Zagunis was designated for assignment, and David Bote was sent to Class AAA Iowa to clear a spot on the 25-man.

Zobrist has been away from the Cubs for four months as he deals with a divorce. For him to be eligible for the playoff roster, Zobrist had to be added to the 40-man roster before Sept. 1.

“He’s been a big part of this club, even before I got here,” Cole Hamels said Saturday. “What he can bring, I think the hitters will be able to tell you a little bit more than I can, but just to have another veteran guy - thank God I won’t be the oldest anymore, that’ll kind of be nice.

“It’s just knowing that he has a really good approach and guys can see that,” Hamels added. “They can feed off it when he’s in the lineup and when he’s on base.”

Zobrist is expected to address the media before Sunday’s game.

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