Dansby Swanson exits Cubs game, feels for wife Mallory Swanson after USWNT injury

CHICAGO — “I’ve been up since 4 a.m.,” Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson said late Tuesday night inside the Wrigley Field clubhouse, explaining why he removed himself from a 4-for-4 game and how he felt physically tired and emotionally drained after everything that happened to his wife Mallory Swanson, a key player on the U.S. women’s national soccer team.

Dansby Swanson woke up early in Chicago that morning to take Mallory Swanson to a local hospital for surgery to repair the torn patella tendon in her left knee, a devastating injury she suffered during Saturday’s exhibition against Ireland, which was supposed to prepare her for the Women’s World Cup this summer.

The Cubs signed Dansby Swanson to a seven-year, $177 million contract last winter, in part, because of his winning pedigree and long track record of durability. Swanson chose Chicago, in part, because his wife was already an established professional athlete in the city with the NWSL’s Red Stars.

Swanson helped the Cubs erase an early seven-run deficit against the Mariners and then signaled to the dugout before the start of the sixth inning. The team initially described Swanson’s issue as “lower left side tightness.” Cubs manager David Ross then clarified it as “cramping” while briefing the media…