Cubs encouraged after checkup on Kyle Schwarber's knee

Kyle Schwarber maneuvered around the Chicago Cubs' circular and spacious clubhouse Wednesday, one day after receiving a favorable report on his surgically repaired left knee.

"Reports are very good," general manager Jed Hoyer said of Schwarber, who flew to Dallas to have his knee examined for the first time since having his anterior cruciate ligament and lateral collateral ligament repaired by Dr. Daniel Cooper on April 19 -- 12 days after suffering the injury in a collision with center fielder Dexter Fowler in Arizona.

"He’s progressing very nicely. I think he’s gone from two crutches to one crutch and can walk around and stuff like that. Hopefully some of his celebrations in the dugout will seem less awkward."

Schwarber was lost for the season, but a successful recovery is expected that will allow him to resume catching and play the outfield by next spring.

"He was in good spirits," Hoyer said. "That was the first checkup since the surgery, and he was happy to get that checkup out of the way and keep progressing. The doctor was very happy with what he saw."

Schwarber hit 16 home runs in 69 games for the Cubs last season and hit five during the postseason.