Kyle Schwarber will be limited to pinch-hit duty as the World Series shifts to Wrigley Field.

Schwarber, who returned to the lineup in Game 1 as the designated hitter at Progressive Field, missed all but three games during the regular season with a knee injury.

After speaking with doctors on Thursday, the Chicago Cubs decided it was best he not play defense.

"Kyle has not been medically cleared to play the field, so he will not be in the lineup the next three games," Theo Epstein said. "But we do look forward to him impacting the game as a pinch hitter for us, and certainly should the series return to Cleveland, he'll be eligible to continue as a designated hitter."

Schwarber and his surgically repaired left knee had been cleared to hit and run the bases 10 days ago, but not to do any lateral running needed to play the outfield.

"It's not disappointing at all," Schwarber said. "It was a long shot at the most. You know, obviously I want to be out there for my teammates and everything, it's just the competitor inside me, but facts are facts. I just can't physically do it."