Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson likely will be activated Tuesday after spending more than a week on the injured list with a sprained right knee. Swanson had been playing through the injury since getting hurt April 25 against the Astros.
‘‘Yesterday was a good day for Dansby, doing more of the same today,’’ manager Craig Counsell said before the Cubs’ 1-0 victory Saturday against the Pirates. “I would still say we’re heading in a good direction with that.’’
Swanson has been participating in baseball activities, including hitting and running.
Swanson, a two-time All-Star, was struggling at the plate and in the field before he went on the IL. He was slashing .209/.285/.341, all career lows, and also had committed four errors and misplayed several balls he usually converts into outs.
‘Don’t think too much’
Corner infielder Patrick Wisdom laughed when Counsell told him he would lead off Tuesday against the Braves.
‘‘That’s the only spot I haven’t hit in my career,’’ Wisdom told the Sun-Times. ‘‘It’s pretty special. I told him that before [the game], and he was all excited.’’
Wisdom had a double and three strikeouts in his leadoff debut.
Counsell said he likes having Wisdom in that spot against left-handed pitchers because of his power and because he has had a solid start to the season since coming off the IL.
‘‘It’s like, ‘Let’s get Patrick three at-bats against the starter,’ as much as anything,’’ Counsell said. ‘‘That’s kind of the thought there.’’
Wisdom said an improved mindset at the plate has enabled him to thrive this season. He was slashing .294/.400/.618 entering play Saturday.
‘‘Just maintaining confidence and composure,’’ Wisdom said. ‘‘Not putting a lot of pressure and grinding down my at-bat trying to force a hit. Taking notes from [outfielder Mike Tauchman] and [second baseman] Nico [Hoerner]. They said, ‘Don’t think too much,’ and that’s been huge.’’
Injury updates
Hoerner missed his fifth consecutive game with tightness in his left hamstring but went through running drills before the game. It’s unknown when he will be ready to play.
‘‘We’re kind of hoping he just keeps getting better,’’ Counsell said. ‘‘I think he made some improvements [Friday]. We’ve got a tough decision [Sunday]. . . . Kind of like, ‘Ready to go?’ But if not, waiting through the off day [Monday] could be a pathway we take here.’’
Counsell said Hoerner might be available to pinch-hit if the team is confident he’ll be back Tuesday.
Left-handers Jordan Wicks and Drew Smyly threw bullpen sessions Friday. Both are close to heading out for rehab assignments. Smyly is closer to returning, and Counsell said he expects him to pitch early next week at High-A South Bend.
Minor deal
The Cubs acquired reliever Jeff Belge from the Rays for reliever Richard Lovelady, whom they had designated for assignment when they acquired reliever Tyson Miller on Tuesday.
Belge, 26, has a 4.20 ERA in 15 innings this season at Double-A. He has a career 3.81 ERA in five seasons in the minors.
