Overview
- The Cubs kept Dansby Swanson out of the starting lineup on Saturday as a brief break meant to reset his mechanics and mindset at the plate.
- Counsell explicitly said Swanson is healthy and available while urging a few days of focused work to try to end the hitting slump.
- Swanson has struggled at the plate this season, batting .180 overall and collecting six hits in 46 at-bats over his last 14 games for a .130 average.
- Defensive value has stayed strong, with Swanson posting elite fielding marks, few errors and two Gold Gloves that complicate any long-term bench decision.
- The club shifted Nico Hoerner to shortstop, started Pedro Ramirez at second, and recalled right-hander Javier Assad while optioning Ethan Roberts as the team seeks to steady a long losing stretch.