Dansby Swanson was supposed to be back in the lineup last Saturday, but his heel injury has taken much longer to overcome than initially expected. Brian Snitker has already said that he will need at least one game in the minors before returning to the club, and possibly more, but even that doesn’t appear to be happening anytime soon. According to Alex Anthopoulos, via David O’Brien of The Athletic, the Braves shortstop is not close to a return to action.
Anthopoulos said Dansby isn't close to returning yet, they want to make sure he's completely healed when he's back. No ETA for that, but he's not putting a lot of stress on it right now, resting it after recovery stalled before
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) August 8, 2019
With a six-game lead in the division, Atlanta has the luxury of taking every precaution necessary with their star players. They aren’t going to let Swanson, who is amid a breakout season, resume action until he is 100% healthy. However, it is a bit disconcerting that the injury occurred over two weeks ago, and he has yet to start putting any stress on it. There’s a chance we might not be seeing Swanson until September.
While the Braves have plenty of cushion in the division, it’s far from over. The Nationals, Phillies, and Mets all have the talent to go on a run at the end of the year, and the Braves are suffering from the injury bug. Along with Swanson, Austin Riley has recently been diagnosed with a partially torn LCL. He will see team doctors and receive a second opinion from Dr. James Andrews next week, but there is a possibility he is out until late Septemeber. Nick Markakis is also questionable to return this season with a fractured wrist. Things might get interesting over these final two months.