The Braves are cautiously optimistic that shortstop Dansby Swanson will be ready for the National League Division Series, which begins Oct. 4.
Swanson left Tuesday’s game in New York with soreness in his left hand. An examination revealed that he had a partially torn ligament in the hand, a separate issue from the wrist inflammation he endured earlier in the season.
He returned to Atlanta for treatment and was ruled out for the remainder of the regular season. After roughly 48 hours with team doctors, the Braves are hopeful he’ll be ready to play against the Rockies or Dodgers.
“It’s going where we hoped it would,” manager Brian Snitker said. “We’ll see him Monday and Tuesday when we workout. We’ll know a lot more then.”
The most important step in Swanson’s preparation will be swinging a bat. He’ll begin hitting off a tee before using a velocity machine. He could begin swinging this weekend while the Braves conclude their schedule in Philadelphia.
Swanson’s readiness will determine how the team shapes its postseason roster. Charlie Culberson would start at shortstop, but Swanson’s absence could prompt the team to carry a third catcher, Rene Rivera, so Tyler Flowers or Kurt Suzuki could be available to pinch-hit.
That would be a notable move. Few expected (or still expect) the team to carry a trio of catchers. It could also speak to their lacking confidence in other pinch-hit options.
Swanson’s offensive production can be replaced if not exceeded by Culberson, but losing his defense would be a blow. The 24-year-old shortstop has slashed .238/.304/.395 in 136 games, but his 1.7 defensive wins above replacement is tied for 15th most in MLB and among the top three for shortstops.
“Tremendous,” Snitker said of Swanson’s defense. “He’s literally won games for us with his defense. Just as solid as you can be. The plays he’s made, the awareness, the clock, the whole thing has been really, really good this year.”
