Two-time Gold Glove shortstop Dansby Swanson sat out the Cubs’ Saturday start against San Francisco after a prolonged offensive slump. He entered the game hitting .180, the third‑worst mark among everyday players, and managed only six hits in 46 at‑bats over his last 14 contests. Manager Craig Counsell said a brief mental break was necessary despite Swanson’s health for the club.

Defensive duties shifted to fellow Gold Glove winner Nico Hoerner, who moved from second base to shortstop, while Pedro Ramirez filled the second‑base slot. Chicago entered the game having dropped 19 of its last 25, prompting Counsell to recall right‑hander Javier Assad from Triple‑A Iowa and option reliever Ethan Roberts, who sported a 1.96 ERA in 14 outings in the lineup.

Swanson’s fielding remains elite—four errors in 60 games for a .983 percentage—but his .130 average over the recent stretch threatens the Cubs’ already fragile offense. In 2025 he posted a .244 line with 24 homers and 77 RBIs; his career .248 average and 171 home runs underline the loss of his bat. The move signals Counsell’s urgency to halt the slide.