MLB: Los Angeles Dodgers at Chicago Cubs Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson (7) reacts after hitting a single against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the second inning during the Tokyo Series at Tokyo Dome. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Chicago Cubs’ Dansby Swanson makes a statement after demotion

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Apr 29, 2025 10:50 PM ET

On Tuesday, the Chicago Cubs sent Dansby Swanson a message by demoting the shortstop ahead of their matchup against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park.

Swanson entered Tuesday’s matchup with the Pirates batting .181/.232/.345 with an OPS of .577, four home runs, 15 RBI, and 38 strikeouts this season. He had just four hits in 20 at-bats in the last seven days. He hit three RBI, took two walks, and was struck out eight times during that span.

Chicago Cubs SS Dansby Swanson made a statement

On Tuesday, the Cubs demoted Swanson from being the No. 5 hitter in the batting order to No. 8. He responded by blasting a solo home run off Pittsburgh’s right-handed relief pitcher Colin Holderman in the eighth inning to put the Cubs up 8-0 on the Pirates.

Mallory Swanson's birthday is today

Dansby gifts her a home run! pic.twitter.com/VYLYR6zA9C

— MLB (@MLB) April 30, 2025

Swanson earned one hit on three at-bats and took a walk on Tuesday night.

The Cubs’ bats were hot on Tuesday

MLB: Arizona Diamondbacks at Chicago Cubs Apr 18, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker (30) celebrates with outfielder Ian Happ (8) after hitting a two-run home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the eighth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Chicago’s bats were back up to par after scoring just one run in their 3-1 loss in the series finale to the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday.

The Cubs’ offense combined for 13 hits to defeat the Pirates 9-0 in front of 9,434 fans at PNC Park. Seiya Suzuki, Carson Kelly, and Pete Crow-Armstrong also hit a home run for Chicago on Tuesday.

With the win, the Cubs now have an 18-12 record and are 1.5 games ahead of the Cincinnati Reds for first place in the NL Central. Chicago will play the second game of their series against the Pirates on Wednesday at 5:40 p.m. CST.

MLB: Texas Rangers at Chicago Cubs Apr 8, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson (7) after he hits an two RBI single during the eighth inning against the Texas Rangers at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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