Braves Swanson healed from injury, hopeful that will return for NLDS

The Atlanta Braves received a little good news Friday regarding the status of shortstop Dansby Swanson, and will keep their fingers crossed that his injured left hand will be healed when the postseason begins next week.

The Atlanta Braves received a little good news Friday regarding the status of shortstop Dansby Swanson and will keep their fingers crossed that his injured left hand will be healed when the postseason begins next week.

An MRI on Wednesday revealed a partially torn ligament in his left hand.

"He's feeling a lot better than what he was," Braves manager Brian Snitker told reporters Friday. "It's just good that he's moving it around, and they've done a good job of getting the blood out of there. They said it might be 48 hours. It's kind of going where we hoped it would."

On Wednesday, Braves head physician Dr. Gary Lourie indicated the following two days would say a lot about whether Swanson would be ready for the National League Division Series that begins on Thursday.

Swanson has undergone daily treatment in Atlanta since the diagnosis. The Braves are hoping he can begin taking practice Monday or Tuesday and, according to Snitker, "Grabbing the bat and swinging will be the big test."

The 24-year-old infielder is batting .238 with 14 home runs, 59 RBIs and 10 stolen bases this season, but has only hit .161 over his last 19 games.

With Swanson sidelined, outfielder Charlie Culberson (.272, 12 home runs, 43 RBIs) has been playing shortstop.

The Braves clinched the NL East and a playoff berth on Sept. 22.

--Field Level Media