Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson will miss at least four weeks because of a left oblique strain, manager Craig Counsell said Monday.
Swanson, 32, 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. A source told ESPN the injury is a Grade 2 oblique strain
The injury timeline means Swanson would miss most of the remaining regular season, though the team is confident he'll be back for the postseason.
"Dansby is ready to attack the injury, do whatever he can to make this go as quick as possible," Counsell said.
Swanson is an annual Gold Glove contender, having won the award in 2022 and 2023. Before getting hurt, he was hitting just .216 but had 18 home runs and 66 RBIs while hitting lower in the lineup.
Nico Hoerner, who moved from second base to shortstop after Swanson's injury, will continue playing shortstop in Swanson's absence, while rookie Pedro Ramirez will start at second base.
The Cubs are also expecting second-year player Matt Shaw back from a wrist injury soon, giving them more infield depth before Swanson's return. Shaw will start a minor league rehab assignment Wednesday.
For the immediate future, the team called up versatile infielder Owen Miller for more depth at shortstop while sending infielder James Triantos back to Triple-A Iowa.
Meanwhile, starting pitcher Edward Cabrera was placed on the 15-day injured list because of a blister on his middle finger -- a recurring injury that will send him to the bullpen when he returns.
"Is it happening the longer [his] outings are?" Counsell asked rhetorically. "They may be something we consider for the rest of the year. ... Bigger picture, we have to come up with some better answers on the blister thing. We keep having some issues there."
Cabrera has struggled this season in attempting to stay healthy and producing when he has pitched. He has a 5.68 ERA after giving up seven runs in 3⅔ innings against the Cardinals -- his first outing since coming off the IL due to a hamstring strain.
"I don't think Edward's issue is serious, but I also don't know when he is going to pitch next," Counsell said.
The Cubs also recalled pitcher Javier Assad and outfielder Kevin Alcantara to take the places of Cabrera and Swanson on the roster.
Entering Monday, the Cubs (72-53) trailed the Milwaukee Brewers by five games in the National League Central, but held the top NL wild-card spot.