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 to shortstop to take Swanson's place.
The injury is suspected to be an oblique issue, which could mean Swanson sits out the rest of the regular season. 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.
Hoerner, 29, was drafted as a shortstop and probably will take over there in Swanson's absence. Rookie Pedro Ramirez will probably get most of the playing time at second base after starting Sunday's game at first.
This will be Swanson's first time on the IL since May 2024, and only the third time since joining the Cubs in 2023.