Atlanta Braves Dansby Swanson Nearing Return
By Kit Anderson
Atlanta Braves starting shortstop Dansby Swanson is closing in on returning to the lineup. The Braves are badly in need of Swanson to come back and play at the level he was before the injury.
Dansby Swanson played a big part in the Atlanta Braves early success. He got on base at a high rate and hit for average (.289) while playing solid defense. Getting Swanson back will be a huge boost for the lineup.
Charlie Culberson and Johan Camargo have done their best to fill in for Swanson. Unfortunately, neither of their best efforts were anything close to productive.
Since Swanson hit the disabled list neither hitter has ventured far past the Mendoza line. The Braves need Swanson to continue to be productive and complete their deep lineup.
Where Swanson should hit in the order when coming back is debatable. Personally, I believe hitting Swanson no lower than 7th is the right move to make. Jose Bautista has been awful and shouldn’t be slotted above him.
Batting Swanson 2nd if he continues to produce could be tempting. Ronald Acuna Jr. is currently hitting in the 2nd slot but struggling. Moving him down in the order will be a move coming soon if his struggles continue.
Swanson’s return could trigger Preston Tucker heading down to triple-A. Johan Camargo and moving on from Bautista seem like the other viable options.
Swanson has begun taking batting practice and looks to be healthy. His wrist injury was concerning considering wrist problems tend to linger. Watching him and how comfortable he is swinging the bat in his first few games back will tell if he is truly healthy.
The Braves need a healthy and productive Dansby Swanson. Without him, there is a large hole in the lineup where pitchers can search for outs. With him in the lineup, the Braves have one of the most dangerous and complete lineups in baseball.