Braves general manager John Coppolella said shortstop Dansby Swanson had “no complaints” after stepping up his rehabilitation work for a back injury but still is days away from rejoining the lineup.
Swanson hasn’t played in a Grapefruit League game since his back stiffened during a game on March 4. Swanson advanced to hitting balls from a tee Sunday morning after he’d fielded ground balls and played catch in previous days.
“The last thing you want to do is rush guys back and then a four-to-five day deal becomes a three-to-four week deal,” Coppolella said. “We’ll take extra time with him.”
Swanson is the top-rated prospect in the Braves’ system. In 38 games with the big-league club in 2016 Swanson hit .302 with a .362 on-base percentage and .442 slugging percentage. His 129 at-bats were one shy of the threshold to lose his rookie status.
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