A ‘hard time’ from manager David Ross ignited a big day for Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson

MESA, Ariz. — Dansby Swanson wouldn’t reveal what manager David Ross said to him Sunday before the Chicago Cubs shortstop hit his first Cactus League home run.

But we can probably make an educated guess based on Swanson’s .081 spring average going into the final game and Ross’ penchant for spraying sarcasm to all fields.

“‘Rossy’ gave me a hard time today, so it kind of got me going,” Swanson said after the 5-0 win over the Kansas City Royals. “It felt great obviously. Starting to feel like you’re getting right on track for the start of the season is a big deal, so I’m just excited I felt like I contributed a little bit.”

What did Ross say?

“I can’t share that,” Swanson said.

Ross gave Swanson a bear hug as the shortstop returned to the dugout in the third inning, squeezing him like a son on graduation day. Swanson’s opposite-field home run on a 1-for-3 afternoon left him with four hits in 40 spring at-bats, an even .100 average.

Swanson also made several defensive gems at shortstop on Sunday, though his defense all spring has been as good as advertised.

“That’s what he does, he’s an unbelievable defender,” said starter Justin Steele, who tossed five shutout innings to finish his spring with a 2.63 ERA.

“You love pitching when a guy like that is at shortstop and you’ve got Nico (Hoerner) right across from him. The whole infield is really good gloves and the outfield as well. It makes my job a lot easier.”

Swanson’s poor offensive spring wasn’t what Cubs President Jed Hoyer expected when he signed him to a seven-year, $177 million deal to be the centerpiece of the lineup.

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Ross said Friday he wasn’t worried about Swanson’s numbers and Swanson insisted he wasn’t concerned either. But after all the commotion over the signing, Swanson had to feel a little pressure to get going before the regular season begins, right?

“No, I think the biggest adjustment is just newness for me,” Swanson said. “I’ve kind of experienced the same thing my whole career. Coming into spring was a little different environment and surroundings and people.

“It was a bit of an adjustment. But these last couple weeks I’ve really felt like I’ve found more or less my stride, and I’m really comfortable with what I’ve been called here to do.

“Day by day, it’s getting better and that’s all I can really ask for.”

Asked about his anxiousness for opening day, Swanson said he was more excited to be reunited with his wife, Red Stars forward Mallory, whom he married in a busy offseason that included signing with the Cubs.

“We haven’t been together since we got married,” he said. “Excited to settle into a routine. As you can tell, I’m a very structured, routine guy. Being able to be back in a familiar place and be settled down will really help me a lot.”

A forgettable spring is almost over and a new beginning is just around the corner.