Dansby Swanson injury update: How long will the Cubs shortstop be out?

It didn’t take long at all for Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson to know that something was wrong after he swung through a 96 mph fastball in the third inning of Sunday’s game against the Cardinals.

And now, the Cubs might be without their starting shortstop for an extended time.

Almost immediately after the swing, Swanson tossed his batting helmet out of frustration and leaned forward in pain. He knew right away that it was the kind of injury that could sideline him. And after a brief conversation with the training staff and manager Craig Counsell, Swanson exited the game into the clubhouse.

Chicago Cubs SS Dansby Swanson left the game with an injury after an awkward swing. pic.twitter.com/1jDI1tnjYn

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— ESPN (@espn) August 16, 2026

During the game, the team described Swanson’s injury as “left side discomfort.” But after the 11-4 loss to the Cardinals, Counsell confirmed that it was an oblique injury for Swanson.

The team placed Swanson on the 10-day Injured List, and he’s set to undergo an MRI to determine the severity of the injury.

Dansby Swanson will go on the IL with left oblique discomfort, per Craig Counsell. pic.twitter.com/02mV2V9v9t

— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) August 16, 2026

It all depends on the MRI results, but an oblique strain could keep Swanson out for upwards of a month. With the Cubs in a race with the Brewers for the NL Central, this wasn’t the news they wanted to hear.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Dansby Swanson injury update: How long will the Cubs shortstop be out?