3 reasons why Cubs fans shouldn’t be worried about Dansby Swanson’s recent plunge
By Josh Wilson
Dansby Swanson hasn’t continued his hot Chicago Cubs career start. Should fans be worried?
Dansby Swanson’s first four games in a Chicago Cubs uniform affirmed the front office’s decision to go after him hard in free agency. He went 10-for-18 with a slash line of .588/.611/.706 and an OPS of 1.317. Clearly, he was worth it.
In the seven games since, the shortstop has fallen off a proverbial cliff, declining to .194/.306/.194. He hasn’t even logged a single hit better than a single and his home run drought continues.
Fans should not be worried, though, and there are some practical reasons why, as well as some deeply analytical. Let’s dive in!
Dansby Swanson hasn’t had it easy off the field
Dansby Swanson was open about his wife Mallory’s recent surgery. Swanson had an exhausting day supporting and being with his spouse, who is also a Red Stars (NWSL) forward. That surgery happened a few games ago. He pulled himself out of a game the night after the surgery due to cramping, which was also the game he committed his first error of the season in. Clearly, he knows he hasn’t quite been himself following the surgery.
It’s tough to live life at your A-game when a family member needs additional emotional or physical support from you. Props to Dansby for putting family first, regardless of what former Cubs are saying about it.
Then, right after that surgery Swanson and the Cubs made a long trip to the west coast. That’s not exactly easy on the body, either, so it’s possible he’s still feeling the lingering effects of the long nights supporting Mallory.