After becoming the first National League team to clinch a playoff spot, it appears that the Atlanta Braves have encountered a roadblock to their postseason plans.
Shortstop Dansby Swanson’s status for the National League Division Series is in jeopardy after he sustained an injury to his left hand. Swanson will undergo treatment for the torn ligament in his hand and be re-evaluated next week for play. The shortstop will be out for the remainder of the regular season, according to the Braves.
While the 24-year-old struggled at the plate this season, he’s done well for the Braves in the defensive unit. He ranks sixth-best in defensive runs saved (with 11) for shortstops this season. He hit .238 with 14 home runs.
Swanson’s injury puts utility man Charlie Culberson into the lineup with the playoffs starting next week. Thankfully Culberson isn’t a bad backup — it just means the Braves’ bench depth will be in jeopardy with Swanson out. And Culberson has been in this position before; last year at this time he filled in for the Los Angeles Dodgers Corey Seager in the NLCS.
The 24-year-old shortstop will stay in Atlanta while his team finishes out the regular season. The Atlanta Braves close out the regular season with road series between the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies.
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