Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson has shown a remarkable turnaround in his performance, significantly impacting the team’s success as he rebounds from a slow start to the season. His recent form includes a batting average close to .400 and six home runs over the last 17 games, illustrating his all-around skill set on the field.
In a recent matchup against the White Sox, Swanson had a standout game, hitting his 10th home run of the season, while also reaching base four times with a single and two walks. He added two stolen bases, showcasing his versatility and ability to contribute in multiple ways. Cubs manager Craig Counsell praised Swanson’s exceptional at-bats, highlighting the value he adds to the team during critical moments.
This season, the Cubs have displayed an impressive ability to score runs, ranking just behind the Dodgers in total runs entering the weekend. Swanson’s multifaceted contributions—ranging from power hitting to effectively working counts and drawing walks—underscore his importance to the team’s offensive strategy. He emphasized the necessity of being well-rounded in baseball, noting that players must find various ways to contribute as not every game will be conducive to power hitting.
In another development, center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong has stepped up as the Cubs’ leadoff hitter during Ian Happ’s absence due to injury. Crow-Armstrong has excelled in this role, batting .400 over six games as a leadoff man, including an impressive performance that featured four hits and six runs batted in during a recent game against the White Sox.
The Cubs showcased their offensive prowess by drawing 11 walks against the White Sox in that game, while starting pitcher Matthew Boyd maintained a clean record by not walking any batters, marking his third consecutive start without a walk. This strong pitching performance positions the Cubs favorably as they aim to build upon their early season success.
With players like Swanson and Crow-Armstrong stepping up and the team’s formidable offense, the Cubs appear well-equipped to maintain their competitive edge as the season progresses.