Dansby Swanson is preparing for a rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Iowa as the Cubs target a return during their September 18-20 series in Cincinnati. Bleacher Nation reported September 11 that the club planned a short minor-league stint before bringing its starting shortstop back against the Reds.

The plan remains dependent on his progress from an oblique strain. FantasyPros, citing Bruce Levine, independently reported that Swanson was headed to Iowa for game work. He has been out since mid-August.

His absence has moved Nico Hoerner to shortstop, with Pedro Ramirez and Matt Shaw taking work at second. Returning Swanson would let Chicago restore its regular middle-infield pairing and use the other infielders more selectively. The Sun-Times described Hoerner's work at short while reporting on the club's broader defensive strength.

For Chicago, the immediate question is whether Swanson can move from workouts to games without a setback. A target series gives the club a schedule to work toward; the rehab appearances will determine whether he can meet it.