CHICAGO -- Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson (oblique) is getting close to returning to the field, according to manager Craig Counsell.
Swanson, 32, has been out since mid-August after taking an awkward swing in a game against the St. Louis Cardinals. His current progress means he could sit out only about a month.
"He's going to start on the Trajekt [hitting machine]," Counsell said. "That will lead him to game action during the Atlanta series."
The Cubs host the Braves next week, but Swanson won't be rejoining the big league club right away. The plan is for him to have a rehab assignment then join the Cubs for the final 10 days of the regular season.
Swanson is a key member of a Chicago infield that is highly rated across many of MLB's defensive metrics. Regular second baseman Nico Hoerner has filled in for Swanson while he has been out but the team is that much stronger up the middle when the duo are in the game together.
Swanson was hitting .216 with 18 home runs before being injured. He has been doing light fielding and running drills but is ready to progress to swinging inside a batting cage. This is the veteran's first oblique injury though the Cubs deemed it a minor one. Swanson started rehabbing it almost immediately.
"I'm feeling better," Swanson said Monday.