Dansby Swanson was back in the Cubs’ lineup Friday night at Great American Ball Park, batting ninth and starting at shortstop against the Reds after a 28-game absence with a left oblique strain.
The result
Chicago activated Swanson from the 10-day injured list two days after he completed game-simulation work at Wrigley Field. His return restores the club’s regular middle-infield alignment for the stretch ahead, with Nico Hoerner moving back to second base.
Pedro Ramírez, who had seen regular duty at second while Swanson was sidelined, returned to the bench.
Swanson had been hitting .216 with a .300 on-base percentage and .404 slugging percentage when the oblique issue put him out. He had 18 home runs and 66 RBIs at that point. Since June 17, though, the shortstop has batted .270, going 47-for-174 with 38 RBIs and an .860 OPS.
“From that point on, I’ve felt really good,” Swanson said, adding that he believes he has identified offensive adjustments that can serve him for the rest of his career.
The time away was longer than Swanson wanted, but he said he was thankful to again have a chance to help a club chasing something larger.
“It has been a long time,” Swanson said. “I’m very grateful to be back, to contribute to this team and to pursue something special, obviously a World Series. The medical staff and everybody involved in the process did everything they could to get me back as quickly as possible, and I appreciate that.”
To make room on the active roster, the Cubs optioned first baseman BJ Murray Jr. to Triple-A Iowa. Murray appeared in seven games for Chicago and went 1-for-11.
