# Pedro Ramirez impresses Cubs despite returning to bench

> The 22-year-old rookie earned respect during a month filling in for injured Dansby Swanson, and the Cubs see his future extending beyond shortstop.
- Title: Pedro Ramirez impresses Cubs despite returning to bench
- Summary: The 22-year-old rookie earned respect during a month filling in for injured Dansby Swanson, and the Cubs see his future extending beyond shortstop. Pedro…
- Keywords: pedro ramirez, cubs, dansby swanson, injury, rookie, shortstop, nico hoerner, craig counsell, mlb, playoff chase, infield, outfield transition
- Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/cubs/2026/09/17/cubs-pedro-ramirez-dansby-swanson-injury-shortstop-infield-outfield-free-agency
- Published: 2026-09-17T15:00:47.182+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: pedro ramirez, cubs, dansby swanson, injury, rookie, shortstop, nico hoerner, craig counsell, mlb, playoff chase, infield, outfield transition
## Rookie steps up for injured shortstop
Pedro Ramirez, 22, took over shortstop duties when Dansby Swanson suffered an oblique injury a month ago. Now Swanson returns Friday, ending Ramirez's everyday role.
## Manager sees 'old soul' in rookie
Cubs manager Craig Counsell praised Ramirez's maturity and presence, saying he makes people trust him quickly despite his inexperience. It's not flashy, but it's effective.

> Some people have a presence, I've called it 'an old soul,' at times, where you're just comfortable with him immediately.
## Teammates impressed by his demeanor
Gold Glove second baseman Nico Hoerner said Ramirez impressed everyone in spring training with his balance of fun and seriousness about his career development.

> He's a guy we all enjoy being around. He's fun, has a good time with it, but he's also very serious about his career.
## Handling pressure of playoff chase
Learning to play at the major league level while the Cubs chase a playoff spot is difficult, but Hoerner said Ramirez has balanced it really well.
## Recent slump amid solid season
Ramirez is hitting .143 over his last 14 games, dropping his OPS from .801 to .733. His season OPS-plus of 100 is exactly league average.
## Homered off Cy Young winner
Despite the slump, Ramirez recently homered off reigning Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes, showing flashes of the power scouts believe he possesses.
## Versatility impresses veteran team
Hoerner highlighted Ramirez's ability to do everything on the field, with real power that should show up more as he develops and gains experience.

> He's the kind of player, he can pretty much do everything on the field. He's got real power that I think is going to show up even more so as he continues to play.
## Valuable experience in playoff push
Getting regular playing time during a championship chase is rare for a rookie. Ramirez has earned a significant sample of at-bats to learn from.
## Counsell values consistent at-bats
The manager said consistent playing time is the hardest thing for young players to get, and Ramirez has received enough at-bats to identify areas for improvement.

> What any young player wants is consistent playing time. It's the hardest thing to get, and you have to earn it.
## Learning from major league pitchers
Counsell explained that Ramirez needs to see different pitch shapes and understand how elite pitchers exploit weaknesses. Only consistent at-bats provide that education.

> You need to see the different pitch shapes, you need to see the greatness of some of these guys, the challenges: 'How do they exploit you?'
## Infield crowded with established stars
With Nico Hoerner, Dansby Swanson, and Alex Bregman entrenched in the infield, Ramirez's future role with the Cubs remains uncertain.
## Outfield could be next opportunity
The Cubs may move Ramirez to the outfield, where he has minimal experience. Left fielder Ian Happ and right fielder Seiya Suzuki are both headed to free agency.
## Limited outfield experience so far
Ramirez has played just one inning in left field this season and has minimal time in the minors at the position, but the Cubs see potential.
## Focus on September and October
Right now, the Cubs are focused on what Ramirez can contribute to their playoff push. His long-term role can be figured out later.
## Old soul with big future ahead
At 22 years old, Ramirez has already made himself a factor for a veteran team chasing a championship, earning respect through maturity and versatility.
## Key takeaway

Pedro Ramirez has impressed the Cubs organization with his maturity and versatility during his first taste of regular playing time, positioning himself as a valuable asset regardless of where he plays.