Swanson's trip to Omaha gets rained out

The Cubs shortstop flew to Omaha Monday for a Triple-A rehab game Tuesday, but rain washed it out. Wednesday's game looked uncertain too.

Cubs improvise with a simulated game

Swanson returned to Chicago Tuesday night. The Cubs organized a simulated game for him Wednesday at Wrigley Field against two prospects, right-hander Gavin Hollowell and lefty Riley Martin.

Six at-bats and field work at Wrigley

Swanson totaled six at-bats against the two prospects and also played in the field. He came out of it all just fine with no issues.

“I feel good. I was able to do everything today with no issues.”

One more workout, then Cincinnati

Swanson will have one more workout Thursday at Wrigley before the Cubs leave for Cincinnati. They expect to activate him Friday for the series opener.

The injury: strained left oblique

Swanson suffered the injury August 16 on a swing. He had never strained an oblique before and said it was pretty painful in the beginning.

“With any oblique thing, it's always around your ribs. It was pretty painful in the beginning.”

Recovery takes patience and progression

Over time the injury healed and Swanson felt better. He stuck to the progressions the team put in front of him, going at them as hard as he could.

Swanson got stir-crazy sitting out

During his recovery, Swanson said he got stir-crazy and understood why manager Craig Counsell is always moving in the dugout. Watching is harder than playing.

“Watching is a lot harder than playing.”

He missed competing and being part of something

Swanson said competing and being part of the team is fun. He went into coach mode during his absence, staying invested in helping his teammates.

“Competing and being a part of something is so much fun.”

Swanson's return reunites the infield

His return will put back together the Cubs' best infield alignment, with Nico Hoerner returning to second base alongside Swanson at shortstop.

Pedro Ramirez likely heads to the bench

Swanson's return will probably put impressive rookie Pedro Ramirez on the bench as the Cubs get their preferred infield back together.

Counsell's creative thinking saves the timeline

When rain disrupted the traditional rehab plan, the Cubs adapted quickly with a simulated game at home. It kept Swanson on track for his Friday return.

“I don't think anyone could've predicted everything that happened.”