Atlanta Braves: Dansby Swanson update and what if his injury lingers
The Atlanta Braves have been without their starting shortstop since July 24 and his return is not imminent, which could play a factor down the stretch and into the postseason.
This was supposed to be the breakout season for Atlanta Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson, and in a way it has been, but this latest injury has put a sour tone on 2019.
He’s clearly having his best full season with the Atlanta Braves hitting .265 with 17 home runs and an OPS of .798 while mostly hitting in the two-hole.
A heel injury after landing on the first base bag awkwardly on July 23rd against the Kansas City Royals has had Dansby sidelined ever since.
The Atlanta Braves have gone 10-8 without and Ozzie Albies has taken off in his spot in the lineup, but there is no question this team is missing Dansby Swanson at shortstop.
Last year the Atlanta Braves were without Dansby Swanson down the stretch and in the postseason, and even though he wasn’t nearly as good offensively last year, his glove was truly missed.
The latest update on Swanson that I could find was back on August 8 when Alex Anthopoulos said he wasn’t close to returning. And even before that Brian Snitker said he’d need to play in at least one rehab game before returning.
Look for an update on Dansby Tuesday before they start this series with the New York Mets.
UPDATE:
I really hate it for Dansby as he was having a great season and his numbers don’t do justice to how well he’s swung the bat.
Hopefully he’s back before the end of the month and can pick up where he left off.
But if he doesn’t, what are the Atlanta Braves going to do at shortstop?
It really is starting to bother me that the Atlanta Braves aren’t picking up some of these players off waivers as insurance.
Even before the trade deadline I was begging them to trade for Freddy Glavis, and now he’s been claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Reds.
He would have provided great insurance at shortstop in case Dansby doesn’t come back.
Now we’re basically left with Johan Camargo and Charlie Culberson.
Camargo had his chance and looked terrible in Dansby’s absence both at the plate and in the field.
Culberson has filled in nicely just as he did last year when Dansby went down, but then that takes away your best bat off the bench.
The Atlanta Braves really don’t have a prospect that they can call up to fill the gap so that Camargo and Culberson can remain bench weapons.
Sean Kazmar Jr. and Luis Marte have been decent at shortstop for Gwinnett this year, but either would have to be added to the 40-man roster.
In my opinion, the Atlanta Braves have to keep a close eye on the waiver wire and look to pick up some depth at shortstop. I love Dansby, but this injury has me worried as he was only supposed to miss a couple of days and now he’s been out for weeks.
Out of the options we have, Culberson has to be the one to fill in for Swanson long-term.
But let’s all just hope that Dansby can get that heel completely feeling better and he comes back strong down the stretch and into the postseason.