Swanson homers in Minor League game

Braves rookie goes 2-for-3 as club takes cautious approach with strained side

March 18th, 2017

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- On Friday, Braves manager Brian Snitker had said rookie shortstop Dansby Swanson would return to the lineup Saturday against the Tigers at Champion Stadium.
But on Saturday morning, plans had changed: Swanson would play in a Minor League game on the back fields instead of the game versus Detroit, which Atlanta lost, 7-5.
"He went 2-for-3 with a homer," Snitker said. "That's a good sign. Hopefully they clear him and we can get him in there [Sunday] and start to process him."

Snitker said Swanson had a strenuous workout in the morning and then took batting practice before the Minor League game.
The Braves have remained cautious with their prized 23-year-old middle infielder's rehabilitation process as he recovers from a strain in his right side that has kept him out of Major League action since March 4.
"I feel right where I need to be, honestly," Swanson said.
Swanson had been taking batting practice for the last week without noticing any discomfort. So far this spring, he is 7-for-16 (.438) with one homer, one double, three walks, one stolen base and four RBIs in six games.
After Swanson hit .302/.361/.442 in his first 129 Major League at-bats down the stretch for the Braves in 2016, he became a popular pick among frontrunners for the 2017 National League Rookie of the Year Award.