CHICAGO – Dansby Swanson removed his helmet and immediately threw it to the dirt at his feet as he exited the batter’s box in clear discomfort on Sunday afternoon. Moments later, the Cubs shortstop exited the game against the Cardinals.
It was a concerning scene at Wrigley Field, where Swanson swung and missed at a first-pitch fastball from St. Louis’ Hunter Dobbins to begin the home half of the third inning. Following that whiff, Swanson grimaced in pain and was forced to leave the contest.
The Cubs announced that Swanson exited with “left side discomfort.” The severity of the setback was not immediately known.
Without Swanson, the Cubs’ primary shortstop option is Nico Hoerner, who is a two-time Gold Glover at second base, but can slide across the infield if needed. Chicago has second base backups in both Pedro Ramírez and James Triantos. After Swanson’s departure on Sunday, Triantos took over hitting and drew a walk.
Through 119 games this season, the 32-year-old Swanson has hit .216/.300/.404 with 18 home runs, 16 doubles, 66 RBIs and 17 stolen bases for the North Siders. He ranked eighth overall among qualified defenders in Fielding Run Value (12) and fifth in Outs Above Average (16) entering Sunday’s game, per Statcast.