Dansby Swanson faces some uncertainty while dealing with an oblique strain. The Chicago Cubs shortstop traveled to Miami for a three-game series against the Marlins that began Friday night at LoanDepot Park. Swanson participated in lighter pregame exercises following a more intense session on Thursday. He is committed to following the training staff’s guidelines to return to play as soon as possible. However, Swanson admits he is unsure about his progression due to having never dealt with an oblique injury before.
Swanson acknowledges the importance of balancing urgency with caution during rehab. He stated, “The key was how to work with a sense of urgency but also being cautious and careful.” The Cubs have outlined a solid plan, and Swanson has been consistent in following it, achieving promising results. However, discussions about returning to play have not yet taken place.
Upon his return, Swanson expects adjustments to the game’s speed and pace. He hopes for a buffer period to reacclimate before the playoffs. To keep his mind engaged, Swanson has been using a Trajekt Arc pitching machine, which mimics various pitcher deliveries. Despite the rare injury, Swanson stays optimistic, emphasizing the importance of remaining positive.
Swanson was placed on the injured list on August 17, with a timeline of four to six weeks for recovery. The Cubs are aiming for his return closer to the four-week mark before the playoffs. Oblique injuries can be persistent, and the Cubs are focused on ensuring Swanson doesn’t aggravate the injury. They aim for his muscle to withstand full-speed play and handle awkward defensive moves.
Manager Craig Counsell highlighted the necessity of pushing through certain rehab stages, explaining, “You have to push some things, and that’s the balance with these things.” The oblique is crucial in their sport, requiring daily use, and must be ready for everyday play.
Cubs’ pitching plans involve right-hander Javier Assad, who joined pregame preparations on Friday. Assad was on the taxi squad and is expected to contribute to the pitching rotation this weekend. He could potentially join the rotation this Saturday, allowing strategic adjustments for the upcoming games.
Assad has been effective in various roles, maintaining a 2.24 ERA in 64 1/3 innings since May. This flexibility could lead to potential lineup shifts for the coming series.
Additional injury updates include Edward Cabrera and Shelby Miller, both progressing in their rehab with Triple-A Iowa. Cabrera, transitioning to a relief role, is set for more rehab outings though not back-to-back due to limited games remaining. Miller, recovering from Tommy John surgery, is aiming for consecutive pitching days if his recovery continues positively.