Cubs confirm Dansby Swanson injury, bring back Javier Assad amid wave of roster moves

There was inevitably going to be a wave of roster moves for the Chicago Cubs on Monday, considering Edward Cabrera's blister and, more concerning, Dansby Swanson suffering an oblique injury during the loss to the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday.

Craig Counsell confirmed after the game that Swanson would be placed on the IL, and that was among the moves announced. The Cubs revealed that Swanson suffered a Grade 2 oblique strain, and the estimated timeline is between four-to-six weeks.

Taking Swanson's place on the roster is veteran infielder Owen Miller. Miller signed a minor-league deal with the Cubs during the offseason, and has some familiarity with Counsell. Miller spent the 2023 season with Counsell in Milwaukee.

With Triple-A Iowa this season, Miller is slashing .296/.350/.457 with a wRC+ of 102. With Pedro Ramirez likely serving as the de facto second baseman with Nico Hoerner sliding over to shortstop in Swanson's absence, Miller provides positional versatility for the Cubs on the bench. Throughout his career, he's played very position besides catcher.

It's worth noting that Matt Shaw is also expected to start a minor-league rehab assignment this week. He would be a natural replacement for Miller on the roster once healthy.

The Cubs have also swapped out James Triantos for Kevin Alcantara. With Ramirez likely getting more playing time in the infield over the next several weeks, Alcantara gives the Cubs added depth in the outfield.

Edward Cabrera's blister forces Cubs to reverse course with Javier Assad demotion

Counsell sounded out of answers on Sunday while explaining Cabrera's struggles in his first start since June 23. The impression was that Cabrera wasn't going to remain in the starting rotation, and perhaps the blister injury does buy the Cubs more time to figure out what is wrong with his mechanics. It's been a question that surrounded Cabrera most of the season, and it's hard to imagine the Cubs finding the answers before the end of the regular season.

Assad being optioned was essentially a procedural move, considering he was one of the few pitchers on the staff with minor-league options remaining. Cabrera landing back on the IL does allow the Cubs bring Assad back, giving them another bulk option for the bullpen.

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