The Chicago Cubs offered a fresh update on shortstop Dansby Swanson just before Tuesday night’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field. The club is still without its regular starter at the position as it tries to stay in the thick of the National League race.
Chicago rolled to a 17-3 victory on Monday in the series opener. That kind of offensive outburst can paper over some holes, but the absence of Swanson remains a noticeable gap in the lineup and on defense.
Unfortunately, the Cubs dropped game two of the series on Tuesday by a final score of 9-4.
Swanson has not played since Aug. 16. The injury that sidelined him was identified as a Grade 2 oblique strain. Manager Craig Counsell and the training staff have been cautious with the veteran’s return timeline.
ESPN’s Jesse Rogers shared the original news about Swanson’s injury.
“Cubs news: Hearing it’s a Grade 2 oblique strain for Dansby Swanson, per a source. Normal timetable is 4-6 weeks. That would have him ready for the postseason.”
That original projection still looks realistic as September begins. The Cubs need healthy bodies if they hope to play meaningful games in October.
Ahead of Tuesday’s contest, the team confirmed Swanson had taken another step forward. MLB.com wrote: “Resumed swinging a bat on Aug. 31, per manager Craig Counsell, following a few days of ramping up defensive work. MRI on Aug. 17 showed an oblique strain, likely requiring at least four weeks to return.”
The fact that he is back in the cage is encouraging. Defensive work came first, which makes sense given the nature of an oblique strain. Swinging a bat puts different stress on the core.
Before the injury, Swanson was hitting .216 with 87 hits, 18 home runs, 66 RBIs, 78 runs and 17 stolen bases across 119 games. Those numbers are not eye-popping, yet they still represent a player who impacts games in multiple ways.
This is his fourth season with the Cubs after signing a long-term deal. He arrived as a proven winner, having helped the Atlanta Braves capture the 2021 World Series.
An up-and-down year at the plate has not changed how the organization views him. Counsell has repeatedly pointed to Swanson’s leadership and the value he brings when he is on the field every day.
A healthy Swanson would give Chicago a more complete infield and another right-handed bat capable of driving in runs. The Cubs have shown they can score in bunches, but consistency through the middle of the order matters in a tight division race.
Swanson himself reflected on his career path in a lengthy Instagram post earlier this summer. Swanson wrote (via Instagram) on July 29: “10 years. Wow. So much has happened during this time it’s hard to sum up with words on a post. God has been incredibly faithful and has blessed me with so much. I’m so thankful for my wife, family, friends, coaches, and teammates that have supported me for all these years. I’ve gone from a young rookie trying to find his way, to now inspiring the next generation of players. From falling in love with my wife, to now having our own family and beautiful baby girl. From winning a World Series with my hometown team, to now aspiring for another with the team I grew up watching with my grandfather. Days like today are amazing reminders that gratitude, hard work, and being committed to being who God made you to be is what matters most. I love y’all!”
That perspective has not changed while he works his way back. Teammates have spoken about his presence in the clubhouse even when he cannot take the field.
The coming weeks will determine whether the original four-to-six-week window holds. For now the Cubs are taking it day by day, happy that the latest MRI findings and on-field progress point in the right direction.
If Swanson can return close to full strength, Chicago’s chances of making a deep postseason run improve. The club has already shown it can win without him for stretches. Adding him back into the mix would still be a significant boost.
