For a competitor like Dansby Swanson, sitting out the NLDS a year ago had to eat him alive. The newly turned 25-year old shortstop is eager to get back out on the field after undergoing surgery on his wrist back in November. He was scheduled to make his spring training debut on Friday but was scratched from his start because of lingering soreness in his wrist.
Swanson was scratched from today's lineup after experiencing left wrist soreness after batting practice.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) March 1, 2019
The Braves have not had much luck avoiding the injury bug during the early parts of spring training. Mike Foltynewicz, Kevin Gausman, Luiz Gohara and Mike Soroka are all experiencing arm issues and may not be ready for Opening Day. Now, Swanson’s status could be in jeopardy.
Considering the bulk of injuries, it’s more than likely a case of the Braves being extra cautious with any ailments during spring training, particularly ones that have lingered over from last year. Atlanta also opted not to let Josh Donaldson make his spring training debut on Friday. Donaldson has been a fully active participant in drills and practice, but the Braves don’t want to rush anything after his injury experiences over the last two years.
If there’s positive news regarding Swanson, it’s that the Braves have a stellar replacement in the form of Johan Camargo who can hold down the role until Swanson is fully recovered.