Braves’ Swanson rebounding as season wraps up

ATLANTA — After batting .302 in 38 games at the end of last year, Atlanta Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson went into this season as a leading candidate for National League rookie of the year.

Swanson hit just .125 in July, though, and found himself back in the minors before the end of the month, with fellow rookie Johan Camargo taking over his position.

The demotion didn’t last long because of an injury to Camargo and a lot has changed in six weeks.

Swanson’s batting average was still a modest .239 going into Saturday night’s game with the Miami Marlins, but the former No. 1 overall draft choice has been back on track since rejoining the Braves four weeks ago.

Swanson has batted .362 in his past 27 games and raised his overall on-base percentage to .320 after drawing two more walks Friday against the Marlins.

“I feel good with what I’m doing,” said Swanson, who was batting .213 when sent to Triple-A Gwinnett in late July. “I’m confident, and I believe in what I’m doing. Going down there just gives you a sense of what works for me, and how can I do that consistently?

“I’ve got a plan, and I’m just trying to execute it every at-bat and every pitch. It’s been working out so far, and I’m going to strive to be even better.”

Camargo came off the disabled list on Tuesday, but will mainly platoon at third base as the 22-year-old Swanson and 20-year-old second baseman Ozzie Albies team in the middle of the diamond.

“Baseball will eat you alive if you let it,” said Swanson. “Being able to constantly tell yourself that you believe in yourself and what you’re doing. It literally makes all the difference in the world.

“I can’t say enough about how happy I am with where I’m at. I’m just learning more and more about myself and the game.”