Atlanta Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson aiming to return to lineup shortly

Braves Swanson gearing up to return to the ATL and the lineup

Atlanta Braves placed shortstop Dansby Swanson on the 10-day disabled list on May 4th (retroactive to May 3rd) because of a sore left wrist.  The 24-year-old was off to an extremely hot start to the 2018 season and will hope to get back to that point.

Through his first 28 games played in 2018, Swanson had a slash line of .289/.336/.430 with two home runs, a triple and eight doubles.  He totaled up 13 RBIs and 13 runs scored while mostly hitting out to the bottom of the Braves lineup.

He’s kinda been missed…Johan Camargo has slotted into the shortstop position primarily, but hasn’t hit that well.  Since Swanson’s injury, it’s been 12 games.  Camargo has played in 11 of those and has went 4-for-33 at the plate with no extra-base hits and only one RBI.  Though the Braves have stayed hot as a team, adding Dansby back to the lineup will be nice.

Well, we may not have to wait much longer!

Reports came out from Atlanta this afternoon that Dansby and the Braves hope that he can come off the 10-day DL during this home-stand.   Obviously, this isn’t certain and they’re going to still take his progress day-to-day, but it’s a good sign!

This current home-stand goes through Sunday.  Then we’re off to Philadelphia on Monday.

Swanson has hit the last three days…hitting off a tee and hitting flipped pitches.  On Tuesday, he took the next step and took batting practice on the field.

He’ll do the same thing tomorrow with taking BP on the field.  Since the batting practice seemed like it went well —and if it goes well tomorrow — he could be sent out for a rehab game.  Since Gwinnett is on the road, Swanson will most likely play with the Rome Braves on Thursday…again if everything continues to go well.

Swanson said after taking BP that he feels good and progressing nicely.

As McAuley reported in his tweet, Swanson will be trying the axe handle bats.  Dustin Pedroia, Mookie Betts, Kurt Suzuki, Bryce Harper are all using this type of bat.

In a 2017, article published by Talknats.com, it said that … “Scientifically they believe that axe handle bats generate a 6 to 10 percent shorter swing because of the angle created by the axe knob.”

In an Sports Illustrated article, it says this about the “axe handle bats”….

"The bats are designed to work better within the biomechanics of a swing and the handle mimics the shape and functionality of an axe. The angled knob has a flush backside that allows users’ wrists and palms to rest more naturally allowing for a more comfortable and fluid swing. The more natural feel also helps prevent common hand and wrist injuries."

Next: 2018 MLB mock draft...who do the Braves take?

Hopefully, Swanson can find these bats useful and it’s helpful to his swing.  Time will tell though, I’m sure it will be something to try to get used to/comfortable with.