Swanson and Cubs Navigate Oblique Injury and Pitching Adjustments

Dansby Swanson is navigating the unfamiliar territory of an oblique strain, creating some uncertainty about his return for the Chicago Cubs. Swanson traveled with the team to Miami as they faced the Marlins for a three-game series at LoanDepot Park. He engaged in lighter pregame activities following a more intensive session on Thursday. Swanson has been adherent to the return-to-play guidelines set by the training staff. Despite never previously experiencing an oblique injury, he is committed to returning to the field promptly.

The 32-year-old acknowledged the challenge of balancing urgency with caution in his rehab process. Swanson stated, “Going into this, the biggest key for me was how to work with a sense of urgency, but also with a sense of still being cautious and careful, but not being so cautious and careful that you’re not urgent.” He noted that while he feels good results so far, the conversations about returning to full play have yet to occur.

Swanson anticipates needing to adjust to the game speed once he returns. He hopes for some buffer time to ease into the season’s flow before the playoffs. Using a Trajekt Arc pitching machine, he stays mentally engaged, simulating different pitchers’ deliveries.

Swanson expressed regret over the injury, which he describes as rare for him. He remains optimistic, finding ways to support his teammates off the field and maintaining positivity. Swanson stated, “As bad as I want to be back out there, I can still be present and enjoy this, too, in a way.”

Swanson was placed on the injured list on August 17, with an expected recovery timeline of four to six weeks. The Cubs hope for his return on the shorter side of this estimate, aiming for Swanson’s participation before the playoffs. Given the persistent nature of oblique injuries, the Cubs are careful with his rehab to prevent re-aggravation. The team targets ensuring Swanson’s oblique can withstand full-speed game movements, important for both batting and defensive actions.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell emphasized the need to balance pushing through the rehab process with care. He stated, “There’s no way we can hide it or stay away from it. You’re going to use it every single day, so it’s got to be ready to go when you get back into it every day.”

Javier Assad’s Role with the Team

Pitcher Javier Assad has joined the Cubs’ pitchers for pregame work in Miami. He was on the team’s taxi squad for Friday’s opener. Counsell indicated that Assad is likely to play a role in the weekend’s pitching plans. Assad is eligible to be recalled from Triple A as of Saturday, following the 15-day minimum in the minors after being optioned.

The Cubs had not firmly decided on their starting rotation for Saturday and Sunday at the time of Friday night’s first pitch. They might place Assad in the rotation for Saturday and have left-hander Matthew Boyd pitch on Sunday, providing right-hander Clay Holmes extra rest.

Assad has proven reliable in multiple roles, boasting a 2.24 ERA over 64 1/3 innings since May.

Additional Injury Updates

Right-handers Edward Cabrera and Shelby Miller are in rehab assignments with Triple-A Iowa. Cabrera, adjusting to a relief role, is expected to pitch in mid-inning on Friday after granting one run and striking out two in his initial rehab appearance.

Miller is nearing consecutive day pitching for the first time following his second Tommy John surgery. Counsell stressed the importance of being cautious, noting, “At some point, we’d definitely want him to go back to back.” Cabrera will continue with further rehab outings, although the remaining games with Iowa limit his chances to pitch on consecutive days.

“We’re going to put him through some different scenarios, so to speak,” Counsell said, highlighting the aspects the team still wants to evaluate in the rehab process.