The Braves placed shortstop Dansby Swanson on the 10-day injured list Saturday, retroactive to July 24. They hope he’ll be fully healthy by his potential Aug. 3 return date.
Swanson injured his heel during Tuesday’s game and missed the past two contests. The Braves expected him back Friday, but after working with trainer George Poulis that afternoon, Swanson was ruled out. Manager Brian Snitker said the injury was worse than they thought.
His heel has been wrapped the past couple of days, and Swanson has walked around with a noticeable limp. But the Braves are optimistic that giving the heel a few more days will allow Swanson to return the first day he’s eligible.
“I’m hoping this IL stint will clear this up,” Snitker said. “And when his time is up, he’ll be ready to step back in. I don’t think (it’ll be an extended stint). He felt better today. This six, seven days we have should hopefully clear it up.”
The 25-year-old will be replaced by utilitymen Johan Camargo and Charlie Culberson, both capable of manning shortstop. The Braves are have the task of replacing veteran right fielder Nick Markakis, who fractured his wrist and likely won’t return until September.
Camargo will receive the bulk of work at shortstop. He started and hit fifth in Saturday’s lineup against the Phillies.
Swanson has put together the best season of his young career. Fully healed from a wrist injury that plagued his 2018 season, the former first overall draft pick is hitting .265 with 17 homers and 57 RBIs while continuing excellent defensive play.
