Braves manager Brian Snitker is holding out hope that Dansby Swanson might still have a chance to join the rest of the team’s representatives in Cleveland for the All-Star game Tuesday night.
“I told him the other day he could get a call,” Snitker said. “It’s not out of the question if something happens today or tomorrow that he would get that opportunity. I don’t know how they pick it, but I’d like to think he’s on a short list.”
Chicago’s Javier Baez was voted the starting shortstop for the National League. Paul DeJong of St. Louis and Travis Story of Colorado are the two reserve shortstops.
The numbers offer plenty of support for Swanson. He is hitting .274 with 17 homers and 57 RBIs. He entered Saturday’s games as the league leader with 246 assists.
If there is a need to open another roster spot, Swanson’s main competition may be exciting San Diego rookie Fernando Tatis Jr. (.328, 12 homers) or Washington’s Trea Turner (.284, seven homers).
Swanson was out of the lineup Saturday for the second consecutive day. He experienced some discomfort in his left quad Thursday against the Phillies, and Snitker decided to give Swanson a couple of days off. He is expected to return to the lineup Sunday afternoon.