The Chicago Cubs are optimistic about shortstop Dansby Swanson returning to play before the regular season concludes. Swanson was placed on the 10-day injured list after an MRI revealed a left oblique strain, causing him to leave Sunday’s game. Additionally, right-hander Edward Cabrera was moved to the 15-day IL due to a blister on his right middle finger, and right-hander Javier Assad was recalled. The team also brought back outfielder Kevin Alcántara, optioned infielder James Triantos, and called up infielder Owen Miller. Miller’s addition resulted in right-hander Daniel Palencia being transferred to the 60-day IL, which doesn’t affect Palencia’s return schedule as he’s been on the IL since June 16.
The Cubs estimate Swanson will be sidelined for one month, potentially returning with about two weeks left in the season. Swanson, aged 32, is experiencing his first IL stint since May 2024, when he missed 10 days with a right knee sprain. Manager Craig Counsell expressed trust in Swanson’s resolve to recover swiftly, stating, “Dansby’s already ready to attack the injury and do whatever he can to make this go as quick as possible.” While there’s no definitive upside to Swanson’s absence, Counsell remains positive about his return this year.
During Swanson’s absence, Nico Hoerner will regularly play shortstop and Pedro Ramírez will man second base. Matt Shaw is expected to return from a sprained left hand/wrist before Swanson, starting a rehab assignment if pregame assessments on Monday go well. Calling up Miller provides the Cubs with a reliable backup shortstop who can also play first base, prompting the decision to select Miller over Triantos. Ramírez now has an extended opportunity to show his potential, having already impressed in 49 games with a .299 batting average, .353 on-base percentage, and a 120 OPS+. Counsell praised Ramírez, affirming confidence in his abilities after 130 major-league at-bats.
Pedro’s a good player, bottom line. I told you out of spring training, if Pedro has to come and play every day in April, I’m good with it. So, this is after 130 major-league at-bats where he’s really performed. He’s more than ready for this.
Cabrera, acquired from the Miami Marlins, has faced recent challenges including multiple IL stints due to blisters, exacerbating a recurrent issue throughout his career. Despite these setbacks, Counsell is not deeply concerned yet uncertain when Cabrera will pitch again. When Cabrera returns, he may be used as a relief pitcher to reduce the likelihood of blisters, given shorter pitching intervals have not been problematic during bullpen sessions. Cabrera first reported the blister problem after departing Sunday’s start in the fourth inning. Counsell noted it initially emerged following Cabrera’s last rehab start on August 11.
We’ve got to come up with some better answers on the blisters thing. The nail, the blister, we keep having some issues there. Frankly, one thing we’re going to talk about, is it happening the longer your outings are, and is that causing this? And that may be something we consider for the rest of the year. We’re hoping we can have the blister behind us. … When the volume is lower, maybe we can make some progress there, and that can be a fix at least for the last six weeks here.
Through 15 starts, Cabrera has recorded a 5.68 ERA and a 72 ERA+ in 76 innings, alongside the lowest strikeout rate of his six-year career at 20.4%. The start of Cabrera’s time with the Cubs has not proceeded as hoped. Counsell acknowledged this, highlighting ongoing efforts to find solutions.
It hasn’t clicked. You spend a lot of time figuring those out. I wish every story was a success story and this one right now is not, and we’re going to keep working on trying to find answers and trying to find solutions. It’s something very important, but I wish I could tell you every story is a success story, but we haven’t done it here.
Cabrera is dedicated to contributing to the team, stating he is fully on board with relief pitching duties. Despite blister problems only surfacing in the fourth inning Sunday, ultimately costing the Cubs four runs as the Cardinals expanded their lead, Cabrera expressed determination to move forward positively.
In all honesty, it’s frustrating. As a human being, that’s normal for us. But when I get home, I always thank God and ask him to help overcome these situations. I know they are tough, but they have a purpose.