Dansby Swanson is off to a historic start in his Cubs career
Dansby Swanson is off to a record-setting start with his new team.
The Cubs’ prized free agent shortstop continued his torrid career in pinstripes on Monday in Cincinnati, going 3-for-5 with a double. It’s Swanson’s third 3-hit game as a Cub, becoming the first player since at least 1901 with three 3-hit games in the team’s first four games of the season.
Swanson is 10-for-17 to start the season with a 1.317 OPS and has added some stellar defense with that.
Outside is cold.
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) April 1, 2023
Dansby is hot. pic.twitter.com/3xzoBlIM0R
“He’s been playing great. Dansby’s done a really nice job. Just quality at-bat after quality at-bat. Hitting the ball up the middle, down the line,” manager David Ross said. “Dansby’s been our best player for sure so far.”
Swanson’s 10 hits are the second-most by a Cub through their first 4 games with the team since 1901. Emilio Bonifácio had 11 in 2014.
Despite the Cubs’ 7-6 loss to the Reds on Monday, Swanson continued to shine. He had a single in the 2nd at-bat of the game and a single in the 5th inning, coming around to score in both situations. He added a double in the 6th inning with two outs, but was stranded there.
Swanson has hit safely in all 4 games to start the season — he had a single on Sunday and was 3-for-4 on Opening Day and on Saturday against the Brewers. On Opening Day, Swanson had an RBI single that drove in Miles Mastrobuoni during the Cubs’ 4-run 3rd inning.
"Dansby Swanson is as hot as a firecracker!" – Pat Hughes
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) April 2, 2023
We agree. pic.twitter.com/Xm8yKnBSb4
The 29-year-old Swanson is coming off the best offensive season of his career, as he hit .277 with 96 RBI and 99 runs with the Braves in 2022 — all career highs.