Dansby Swanson activated by the Cubs after being sidelined by a heel injury

CHICAGO (AP) — All-Star shortstop Dansby Swanson was activated by the Chicago Cubs on Saturday after he had been sidelined by a bruised left heel.

Swanson had two hits and drove in a run in an 8-6 victory over St. Louis in his first large league recreation since he acquired damage throughout a 4-3 win at Milwaukee on July 5. He is batting .261 with 10 homers and 37 RBIs in 84 video games.

“The hitting staff did such a great job of just keeping me in a game-type shape and flow when it comes to the offense,” Swanson mentioned. “You know it was definitely good to be able to start off on a good start.”

The 29-year-old Swanson, who finalized a $177 million, seven-year contract with Chicago in December, performed in 160 video games in 2021 and 162 video games final 12 months in his ultimate season with Atlanta. He mentioned he was going “a little stir crazy” whereas he was on the 10-day injured checklist.

“I felt like I was everybody’s honorable assistant,” he mentioned. “I felt like hitting coaches, pitching coaches, like all people, I felt like I used to be primarily an assistant coach for the final two weeks, which, it was driving me nuts. I like enjoying. I like going on the market each day.”

Infielder Jared Young was optioned to Triple-A Iowa to make room for Swanson on the roster. Young, 28, is batting .171 with a homer and 5 RBIs in 13 video games with the Cubs this 12 months.

Swanson examined his heel by operating the bases. He additionally has been working within the batting cages to assist keep his timing along with his swing.

“I wouldn’t be out there if I didn’t feel like I was able to be a productive baseball player,” Swanson mentioned earlier than the victory over the Cardinals. “Finally got to that point and we’re ready to go.”

Swanson made his large league debut with Atlanta in 2016 and helped the Braves win the 2021 World Series. He hit .277 with 25 homers and a career-best 96 RBIs in his ultimate season with Atlanta.

“Dansby’s really important to our success,” Chicago supervisor David Ross mentioned, “and his play (has) been missed. … It’s nice to have him back. He’s worked really hard, been itching to get back.”