
Now in his fourth season with the Chicago Cubs, shortstop Dansby Swanson has continued to live up to the expectations of the seven-year, $177 million contract that will keep him as one of the franchise’s faces through 2029.
This year, Swanson has been a weapon on both sides of the ball. Offensively, he has posted a .206 batting average, .339 on-base percentage, .762 OPS, six home runs and 21 RBIs across 29 games.
Defensively, he remains one of the best shortstops in baseball, providing elite stability at one of the most important positions on the field. With Chicago playing some of the best baseball in the National League during April, Swanson has been a major reason why.
Swanson has also been remarkably durable during his Cubs tenure, missing just 31 total games over the past four years. He had appeared in all 30 games this season, yet that streak may be coming to an end.
During the Cubs matchup against the San Diego Padres, Swanson got off to a strong start, ripping a two-run RBI double in the top of the second inning and later stealing third base.
But as the bottom half of the inning began, he was removed from the game. Backup infielder Nicky Lopez entered in his place, shifting to second base while Nico Hoerner moved over to the vacated spot at shortstop.
Moments later, the Cubs announced the reason for Swanson’s early exit. “Dansby Swanson left tonight’s game with a left glute cramp,” the team wrote on X.
Dansby Swanson left tonight’s game with a left glute cramp.
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) April 29, 2026
It is unclear exactly when Swanson felt the left glute cramp, though it likely occurred while running the bases. This would be a significant blow to Chicago’s infield if he requires time off, especially with third basemanAlex Bregman also sidelined due to a left toe injury. Bregman missed Tuesday’s game as well.
It is still April, so the Cubs will be cautious with their 32-year-old shortstop, but they also know how essential he is to their success. As Chicago continues to push toward the top of the NL Central, keeping Swanson healthy remains one of the club’s top priorities.
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