Cubs’ Dansby Swanson, Ian Happ injury updates are crucial

The Chicago Cubs cannot afford to leave any stone unturned. They are in a tight race with the Philadelphia Phillies for the NL Wild Card. Therefore, the team needs their star players on the field.

On Tuesday, Chicago received news about the status of shortstop Dansby Swanson and outfielder Ian Happ, per MLB.com.

For starters, Happ, who’s been out with discomfort in his left knee, is day-to-day. While he was out on Labor Day against the Brewers, he was seen doing pregame running drills. Additionally, manager Craig Counsell said he was “hopeful” that Happ would be able to come off the bench.

Happ was out of the lineup against the Miami Marlins last Sunday. In April, Happ was out with a minor heel injury.

Meanwhile, Swanson, who’s been battling a left side/oblique strain, has been taking part in hitting and defensive drills. He is expected to hit off the high-velocity machine soon as he continues his month-long rehab.

Swanson was removed on Aug. 17 and is anticipated to be out for four to six weeks. As a result, he is expected to return in mid-September.

Happ is batting .221 with 110 hits, 23 home runs, and 64 RBIs. Meanwhile, Swanson is batting .216 with 87 hits, 18 home runs, and 66 RBIs.

The Cubs lost back-to-back games over the Labor Day weekend, once to the Marlins and the other to the Milwaukee Brewers. As a result, Chicago is 81-64 and is virtually tied with the Phillies (81-63) in the Wild Card standings.

The Cubs are in the midst of a critical three-game series with the first-place Brewers. Their magic number to win the Wild Card is 13.