The Atlanta Braves could enter the National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers without an important piece of their lineup.
Shortstop Dansby Swanson, who is dealing with ligament damage in his left hand, is unlikely to appear in the NLDS, reports Mark Bowman of MLB.com.
The 24-year-old departed a game against the New York Mets on Sept. 25 with left-hand soreness and was later diagnosed with a partially torn ligament after visiting a team physician.
While the Braves were optimistic the shortstop would return in time for the series, he continued to feel discomfort while taking dry swings over the weekend.
Swanson hit .238/.304/.395 with 14 home runs and 59 RBIs before his injury.
Atlanta has turned to Charlie Culberson at short in his absence.
