Dansby Swanson drilled a two-run double in the second inning, stole third base, but then exited Tuesday night’s game against the San Diego Padres. The shortstop has started all 30 games for the Chicago Cubs this season, including 29 at his defensive spot, but if there’s a scenario in which Swanson’s ass doesn’t heal soon, the team seemingly has the perfect replacement.
Swanson was ruled out because of a left glute cramp, so you’re hoping that he won’t have to miss any extended time.
The Cubs end their West Coast road trip on Wednesday, and then have Thursday off. So far in 2026, Swanson has provided more slug at the plate. Despite a .214 batting average, Swanson has a 121 wRC+ through 122 plate appearances. Dating back to April 6, Swanson has posted a slash line of .246/.379/.522, with five home runs.
While you don’t want to see Swanson miss any time, an injury could open up additional playing time for Matt Shaw, who can play second base with Hoerner moving over to shortstop. The middle infield would take a slight hit on defense, but Hoerner is more than capable, and Shaw has been solid around the infield. Hoerner has been the most consistent hitter on the Cubs since the season began, while Shaw has a 111 wRC+ in 76 plate appearances.
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Looking at the bench, the Cubs have Nicky Lopez, who did come in on Tuesday to play second base as Hoerner shifted to shortstop. However, the Cubs obviously don’t want Lopez getting too many meaningful at-bats. So, if the need arises and Swanson has to be placed on the injured list, then the rising prospect Pedro Ramirez should be on a flight to Chicago.
Ramirez, 22, has been heralded for his defense in the minors, and despite a solid 122 wRC+ in Double-A during the 2025 season, questions remained about his projection as a potential MLB hitter. Well, so far in 2026, Ramirez has smashed any assumptions about his hitting tool, already hitting seven home runs with a .311/.383/.602 slash line at Triple-A with the Iowa Cubs.
The switch-hitter first broke into pro ball back in 2021 in the Dominican Summer League. His career high for home runs in a single season is eight, which he’s done twice. So, to already have seven home runs through his first 21 games this year is a giant step forward for the Cubs’ prospect.
I get the hesitation of taking him out of an everyday spot in Triple-A because it’s not like he would start ahead of Hoerner or Shaw, but it could be a nice reward for his progress so far this season, and maybe he gets a start or two if Swanson needs more time to recover.
Plus, Ramirez has been getting it done from both sides of the plate, although he has hit for more power as a left-handed hitter.
Pedro Ramirez Splits in 2026
vs. LHP: .318/.348/.500, 1 HR
vs. RHP: .309/.391/.630, 6 HR
The results don’t appear to be fluky either.
The only other healthy infielder on the Cubs’ 40-man roster besides Ramirez is James Triantos.
With that being said, hopefully, Swanson is getting some good massages and doesn’t have to miss any more games.
