GRANVILLE — West Virginia Black Bears outfielder Travis Swaggerty missed his second consecutive game June 29 and is expected to miss more action while his girlfriend deals with the effects of thyroid cancer.
Swaggerty was the first-round pick this year of the Pittsburgh Pirates. His girlfriend, Peyton Swanzy, announced on Twitter that she was diagnosed with cancer on June 23.
“Travis is out dealing with personal family matters and we hope for the best for him and his family,” Black Bears assistant general manager Jackie Riggleman said. “We certainly hope everyone respects their privacy.”
On his Twitter account Thursday, Swaggerty posted a picture of Swanzy and said she was out of surgery and doing fine. He also thanked the Pirates’ organization for its support.
It was not clear where Swanzy is receiving treatment. The couple attended the University of South Alabama.
The Black Bears did not comment on how many games Swaggerty would miss. In four games, he batted .357.
