The Chicago Cubs aren’t on the hot streak they once were, but the offense seems to still be humming right along. And there’s one player that is humming at a louder frequency than most. That it’s Dansby Swanson could be a bit of a shocker considering the struggles he’s had for most of the season.
There’s been a ton of talk this season about the kind of start Carson Kelly and Kyle Tucker have had. There’s been a recent focus on the insane hot streak that Pete Crow-Armstrong went on to end April. But the Cubs’ shortstop has been the hottest hitter of the group over the last week, and that run came as he finally got bumped out of the middle of the lineup and into the No. 8 spot
Dansby Swanson’s hot streak validates Cubs’ lineup shuffle
The Chicago Cubs have needed someone else to get hot, as Tucker, PCA, and Kelly have all continued to be solid, but obviously couldn’t continue their torrid paces. There are also guys like Seiya Suzuki and Ian Happ who have started to go a bit cold. And there’s Swanson with a 1.180 OPS over the last week.
That number blows away the second-hottest hitter in the last five games in Tucker, with a still very respectable .853 OPS. Swanson also leads the team in this period in runs scored (5) is second on the team in RBI (3) and that’s again, from the very bottom of the order; is tied for the team lead in doubles (2) and homers (1) in the last week.
Dansby Swanson is red hot. Period, point blank.
As with every major league player in the history of baseball, this Cubs’ hot streak won’t continue at this pace. But he has looked like perhaps he’s put an April behind him that was absolutely terrible.
The Chicago Cubs need Swanson to keep being the guy who can be a dependable bat the same way with he needs to be a dependable fielder. Here’s hoping he’s unlocked something.