Cubs Roster Shake-Up: Swanson Sidelined with Oblique Strain as Injuries Mount

The Chicago Cubs have placed shortstop Dansby Swanson on the 10-day injured list following a left oblique strain sustained during Sunday’s loss to St Louis. Manager Craig Counsell indicated that Swanson is expected to miss approximately four weeks, a timeline that removes the two-time All-Star from the lineup for the foreseeable future.

In response to the injury, second baseman Nico Hoerner has shifted to shortstop for Monday night’s game against the crosstown White Sox at Wrigley Field. Swanson’s absence comes during a season where he has recorded 18 home runs and 66 RBIs across 119 games, though his batting average currently sits at .216.

The Cubs’ injury list expanded further on Monday with the placement of right-hander Edward Cabrera on the 15-day injured list due to a blister on his right middle finger. Cabrera had returned to the rotation on Sunday for his first start since 23 June, having previously been sidelined by a hamstring injury, but lasted only 3 2/3 innings before taking the loss.

Additionally, right-hander Daniel Palencia was moved to the 60-day injured list in a procedural move. Palencia has been sidelined for more than two months with an elbow injury, though he is expected to rejoin the bullpen soon.

To fill the resulting roster vacancies, the Cubs recalled outfielder Kevin Alcantara and right-hander Javier Assad from Triple-A Iowa. The organisation also purchased the contract of infielder Owen Miller, who signed as a free agent during the offseason after playing for Colorado last season.