If you have a No. 2 Dansby Swanson jersey under the tree, you might want to see if you can exchange it after Christmas.
On the other hand, it might also become a collector’s item.
The popular Braves rookie shortstop announced Wednesday he’ll switch from No. 2 back to his old No. 7. When Swanson was called up to the major leagues for the first time in August, he wore No. 2 only because No. 7 was already taken by veteran infielder Gordon Beckham.
With Beckham not returning to the Braves, Swanson’s preferred jersey number was available again. He’s worn No. 7 since his freshman year at Vanderbilt University.
On his Twitter page Wednesday, Swanson wrote: “It’s official! Happy to announce that I will be switching from number 2 back to number 7.”
Already one of the most popular Braves among fans, the 22-year-old Marietta native will be the focus of much attention at spring training as he prepares for his first full season in the majors. He still is classified as a rookie after batting .302 with 11 extra-base hits and a .361 on-base percentage in 38 games in 2016.
His 129 at-bats were one shy of the limit to retain rookie status, meaning Swanson will be eligible for the National League Rookie of the Year award in 2017.
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