Dansby Swanson Suffers Minor Facial Injury

In what has to be one of the more frustrating pieces of news this week, Dansby Swanson was hit by a pitch and suffered a minor facial injury. Baseball America first reported the news and it has been confirmed that Swanson didn’t suffer any significant fractures. There was building optimism for Swanson’s professional debut, but now it’s been put on hold.

In an extended spring training simulated game, Yoan Lopez struck Swanson with a pitch. The Cuban right hander is also a member of the Dbacks and signed for 8.25 million this past winter. Interestingly enough, Swanson, the #1 overall pick in this year’s MLB Draft, signed for 2 million less than Lopez. Swanson signed with Arizona in the last minute, but his bargain contract allowed the Dbacks to also sign draft pick Wesley Rodriguez.

Jun 23, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores shortstop Dansby Swanson (7) throws to first base during the fifth inning against the Virginia Cavaliers in game two of the College World Series Finals at TD Ameritrade Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports

Swanson was in Arizona to get back into baseball shape after competing in the College World Series for Vanderbilt a couple of weeks ago. According to the Baseball America report, Swanson was expected to make his professional debut with the Hillsboro Hops in the next couple of days. A stay in A-level Visalia would have followed.

However, Swanson will now continue to be under the watchful care of the good folks in Arizona until he’s deemed healthy to participate in baseball activities. It’s a frustrating development of events as many of the MLB Draft picks have already made their marks in their clubs’ respective farm systems. Swanson was the last high profile pick to hold out and we’ll be waiting for a little while more.

The 21-year old is expected to factor into the Dbacks plans as soon as next season. With Nick Ahmed and Chris Owings both hitting below .235, it’s not out of the question for Swanson to compete for a middle infielder’s position in 2016. We’ll be sure to monitor his progress from here on out.

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