Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson, still recovering from wrist surgery, will miss the early portion of Grapefruit League games but is still expected to be ready for opening day March 28. The Braves open their spring training slate Saturday against the Mets.
Swanson, 25, missed the final week of the season and postseason when a lingering wrist injury worsened in New York. He had surgery on his left wrist in November to remove damaged cartilage.
The Braves and Swanson have expressed confidence in his recovery. He’s taking regular batting practice and doing standard defensive work, but he’s not ready for live BP. There’s little reason to rush him, so the Braves are taking a cautious approach until he’s through the proper procedures.
“He’s checking all the boxes,” manager Brian Snitker said. “He’s right where they figured he’d be after surgery.”
Swanson first felt wrist discomfort after the Braves’ infamous loss in frigid Chicago on April 14. He finished the season playing 136 games and providing exceptional defense, but his offensive development will determine his ceiling. Swanson provided a .235/.308/.359 line over the past two seasons (280 games).
“Anytime you have to deal with injuries like that, it’s nice to be able to come back stronger, so that’s what I’m doing,” Swanson said. “I’m doing good. Building up for what I need to be building up for.”
