By Salem Chicago News Staff
CINCINNATI — Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson returned to the lineup Friday night after missing 28 games with a left oblique strain, bolstering Chicago’s defense and offense for the final stretch of the regular season.
Swanson was activated from the 10-day injured list and batted ninth against the Reds at Great American Ball Park. His return reshapes the Cubs’ infield, with Nico Hoerner sliding from shortstop back to second base and Pedro Ramirez moving to the bench.
“It’s been a long time, so I’m really grateful to be back and contribute to this team and to achieve, obviously, something special,” Swanson said. “The medical staff and everyone involved with this entire process did all they can to get me back as soon as possible, which I’m grateful for.”
At the time of the injury on Aug. 16, Swanson was slashing .216/.300/.404 with 18 home runs and 66 RBIs on the season. He had been on a hot streak before the oblique strain, posting an .860 OPS with 38 RBIs and a .270 batting average since June 17.
“Since that time frame, I felt really good and figured some things out as far as what is going to work for me offensively — hopefully for the rest of my career,” Swanson said.
The 32-year-old’s defensive value may be even greater than his bat. Per Statcast, Swanson ranks in the 99th percentile in Outs Above Average with 16 this season, and his 11 Fielding Run Value is among the best at any position. The Cubs lead MLB in both Fielding Run Value and Outs Above Average.
Swanson’s road back included a detour. A planned Minor League rehab stint with Triple-A Iowa in Omaha was disrupted by rain, forcing the Cubs to fly pitchers to Wrigley Field on Wednesday for a simulated game.
“We were kind of unwilling to leave him there just in case the weather didn’t really work out again,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. “So we flew some pitchers here and we put together a little simulated thing for him today.”
To make room on the active roster, the Cubs optioned first baseman BJ Murray Jr. to Triple-A Iowa. Murray went 1-for-11 in seven games with Chicago.
The Cubs entered Friday holding a half-game lead over the Phillies for the NL’s top Wild Card spot. Chicago owns the tiebreaker over Philadelphia after winning the season series.
The team has nine regular-season games remaining.
