NEW YORK — The Cubs placed shortstop Dansby Swanson on the 10-day injured list on Saturday, ending questions about his availability in the Cubs' final series before the All-Star break.
Swanson bruised his left heel trying to beat Wednesday's doubles game in Milwaukee and has not played since dropping out a few rounds later. So, the team can push the move back to Thursday. He would be eligible to return as early as July 16, last drawn against the Red Sox, and missed only two games after the break.
“Let's err on the side of giving him two extra days after the break,” said Ross, “and hopefully he'll be ready to go by then. That's the hope.”
Swanson is also hopeful, but has made no promises.
“Obviously it's a shame we're in this position,” he said. “The biggest thing is just from a time standpoint, and getting four days of rest. I feel like it's a good insurance policy not to lose some retroactive days and stuff like that. So, it stinks. But we have to make the best decisions for the group, and hopefully I'll be back there soon.”
In Swanson's absence, Nico Hoerner filled in at shortstop and Christopher Morel played second base. In a fitting move, the Cubs recalled utility player Miles Mastrobuoni from Triple-A. He started at third base.
Swanson suffered a similar injury in 2019, to his right heel. It kept him out of action for a month, but he says his current heel injury isn't too bad. And he goes into this IL stint with background knowledge of the rehabilitation and treatment process to which he most responds.
“I always wear custom orthotics,” she says as an example, “but there are certain ways you can change things up a bit to help take the pressure off.”
Major League Baseball announced Swanson's replacement in the All-Star Game, Diamondbacks center infielder Geraldo Perdomo, on Friday. Swanson said the next day that he had no plans to go to Seattle for the event.
“It's a little too far just to watch,” he said.