CHICAGO -- Shortstop Dansby Swanson left Sunday's 11-4 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals because of left side discomfort after an awkward swing-and-miss in the bottom of the third inning, and will be put on the injured list, Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell said.
Swanson, 32, swung at the first pitch from Cardinals starter Hunter Dobbins and immediately knew something was wrong, taking off his helmet while heading to the dugout a few moments later. Rookie James Triantos finished the at-bat, drawing a walk before taking over at second base the next inning. Nico Hoerner moved over from second to shortstop for Swanson.
"I just felt like my left side just kind of tightened up on me, and obviously, it was enough to where I didn't feel like I needed to keep going," Swanson said after the loss.
The injury is suspected to be an oblique issue, which could mean Swanson sits out the rest of the regular season. Recovery from those types of injuries can be anywhere from four to six weeks -- or more -- depending on the severity. Swanson will have an MRI on Monday, Counsell said.
"He's critical to our defense," the manager told ESPN's Buster Olney during the game broadcast. "He's one of the better shortstops in the game. Hopefully, it's not too bad."
Swanson is an annual Gold Glove contender, having won the award in 2022 and 2023. Before exiting, Swanson was hitting just .216 but had 18 home runs and 66 RBIs while hitting lower in the lineup.
"I haven't had a soft tissue injury in my whole professional career," Swanson said. "We'll hopefully find out some really good news tomorrow and be on our way."
Hoerner, 29, was drafted as a shortstop and probably will take over in Swanson's absence. Rookie Pedro Ramirez probably will get most of the playing time at second base after starting Sunday's game at first base.
"I think there's not really a better group in the world to handle something like this," Swanson said, "just with the depth of players we have, the quality of players we have, the ability for guys to play multiple positions at Gold Glove level."
This will be Swanson's first time on the IL since May 2024, and only the third time since joining the Cubs in 2023.
