Is there reason to assume the Cubs are NOT paying Zobrist? I don't know who either MLB union has, or what Zobrist's particular contract details. But in a lot of work places, employees are allowed to take personal days under situations of family need. And I believe in many other work places, employers allow employees that privilege even when they are not contractually required to do so, including sometimes not freezing salary.
Given how Theo has put top priority on employer/employee relations, on a supportive employer/employee culture, on supporting player families and stuff, I wonder whether Theo may still be paying Zobrist's full salary, even if it may not be contractually required. I have no idea, and of course contracts and employment conditions for super-rich professional athletes are not like anything like my experience. But I'm just curious whether Zobrists leave actually is freeing up any budget for relief help and bench help or not.