Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a Grade 2 left oblique strain and is expected to miss at least four weeks.
An MRI on Monday confirmed the strain after Swanson was forced to leave Sunday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals. The four-week timeline leaves open the possibility that Swanson could return before the postseason.
How Did Dansby Swanson Injure His Oblique?
Swanson suffered the injury while leading off the bottom of the third inning Sunday. He swung and missed on a first-pitch fastball from Hunter Dobbins, then immediately grimaced in pain and left the game.
"It just felt like my left side kind of tightened up on me," Swanson said. "It obviously was enough where I didn't feel like I needed to keep going."
Further evaluation and Monday's MRI revealed the left oblique strain, prompting the Cubs to place him on the injured list.
When Will Dansby Swanson Return?
Swanson is expected to miss at least four weeks, putting a potential return before the postseason in play if his recovery progresses as expected.
Oblique injuries can be particularly important for hitters because of the rotational force required during a swing, making Swanson's progression through baseball activities an important part of determining his eventual return date.
While Swanson is sidelined, two-time Gold Glove second baseman Nico Hoerner will move to shortstop.
Swanson is batting .216/.300/.404 with 18 home runs, 16 doubles, 66 RBIs and 17 stolen bases through 119 games this season.
