A routine swing and miss at a first-pitch fastball just might cost the Cubs their best defender for the entire year. Dansby Swanson walked off the field against the Cardinals, and the team announced he left with “left side discomfort” per MLB.com. He threw his helmet to the dirt in clear pain before leaving the batter’s box. This isn’t a minor tweak that’ll heal by next week.
The timing of the exit stings the most for fans.
Swanson was hitting just .216 before the game, yet he still had 18 home runs and 66 RBIs. He’s an annual Gold Glove contender who won the award in both 2022 and 2023. Losing his speed and range on the infield creates a massive hole in the team’s defense right now. How do they plug that gap without their anchor? The math simply doesn’t add up when you look at the remaining schedule and the quality of opposing lineups.
The Likely Diagnosis
Reports indicate the injury is likely an oblique issue, which could mean he misses the rest of the regular season. These types of injuries can last from four to six weeks, or even longer depending on the severity. Since May 2024, this would mark Swanson’s inaugural stint on the injured list should he be placed there. It marks just the third time he has been on the list since joining the Cubs in 2023.
Rookie James Triantos took over the spot in the lineup and drew a walk immediately after Swanson’s departure [MLB.com Cubs]. Nico Hoerner moved over to shortstop to fill the gap left by the star player. The Cubs don’t know the full severity of the setback yet, but the outlook is grim.
Counsell’s Worry
Cubs manager Craig Counsell didn’t hide his concern during the broadcast. He told ESPN‘s Buster Olney that Swanson is critical to the team’s defense. The manager knows that Hoerner is a great player, but Swanson brings a different level of skill to the position.
Counsell remarked that Swanson ranks among the top shortstops currently playing. The team hopes the injury is not severe. That hope is all the team has right now. The Cubs need their anchor back on the field as soon as possible. A long absence would force the squad to rely on depth they haven’t tested all year, leaving them exposed against the best offenses in the National League.
