Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson exits in third inning

CHICAGO -- Shortstop Dansby Swanson left Sunday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals with left side discomfort after an awkward swing-and-miss in the bottom of the third inning, the Chicago Cubs announced.

Swanson, 32, swung at the first pitch from Cardinals starter Hunter Dobbins and immediately knew something was wrong, taking off his helmet while heading to the dugout a few moments later. Rookie James Triantos finished the at-bat, drawing a walk before taking over at second base the next inning. Nico Hoerner moved over to shortstop to take Swanson's place.

The injury is likely an oblique issue which would mean he could miss up to the rest of the regular season. Those types of injuries can be anywhere from four to six weeks, or more, depending on the severity.

"He's critical to our defense," Cubs manager Craig Counsell told ESPN's Buster Olney during the broadcast. "He's one of the better shortstops in the game. Hopefully, it's not too bad."

Swanson is an annual Gold Glove contender, having won the award in 2022 and 2023. Before exiting, Swanson was hitting just .216 but had 18 home runs and 66 RBIs while hitting lower in the lineup.

Hoerner, 29, was drafted as a shortstop and will likely take over there in Swanson's absence. Rookie Pedro Ramirez will probably see most of the playing time at second base after starting Sunday's game at first.

If Swanson is placed on the injured list, it'll be his first time on it since May 2024 and just the third time since joining the Cubs in 2023.br/]