Alex Bregman returned simply in time for the Chicago Cubs. His place in Friday’s lineup additionally created a query Craig Counsell should reply earlier than the Wild Card Sequence: If Bregman wants the designated hitter spot, which different bat loses at-bats?
Bregman began at DH and hit third within the first recreation in opposition to Boston. It was his first look since a foul ball struck his face Sunday and precipitated a number of fractures. He went 0-for-4 in Chicago’s 4-3 loss, then didn’t begin the nightcap.
The DH task allowed Matt Shaw to remain at third base within the opener. Michael Conforto, who has drawn DH begins, was absent from that beginning lineup. These selections supply an early glimpse of a roster squeeze, though Friday’s doubleheader required Counsell to handle two video games in someday. That distinction issues earlier than drawing conclusions about his playoff plan.
One Lineup Spot Adjustments A number of Roles
The Recreation 2 field rating exhibits a unique lineup. Conforto began at DH, and Shaw remained at third whereas Bregman sat. Conforto went hitless in 4 at-bats throughout the 2-0 defeat.
That doesn’t imply Conforto has been dropped for October. It does present why Bregman’s defensive availability issues. If he can return to 3rd base, Counsell can maintain a DH opening for Conforto or one other hitter and resolve the place Shaw offers essentially the most worth.
If Bregman stays at DH, these selections slim. Shaw may play third, however somebody who in any other case may need occupied the DH spot would wish one other place within the area or a bench function. Chicago has a brief collection forward, leaving restricted time to attend for a struggling lineup mixture to settle.
Bregman informed MLB.com after his return that his face felt high quality throughout the recreation. The Cubs stated staff docs cleared him after imaginative and prescient testing and an analysis that discovered surgical procedure pointless. Neither level is an announcement that he’ll play third base Tuesday.
Learn Extra From Heavy
Cubs’ Bat Experiment Has a Restrict October Might Expose
Sunday’s Card Might Provide a Clue
The ultimate regular-season recreation in opposition to Boston offers Counsell another alternative to rearrange the infield and DH spot earlier than the Wild Card opener. The beginning card may very well be informative, although a person day’s relaxation plan wouldn’t settle the postseason order.
MLB’s Cubs postseason FAQ tasks Bregman at third and lists Conforto and Shaw among the many bench choices. MLB describes that roster as a projection, not a staff announcement. Friday’s two lineups confirmed how rapidly the precise alignment can change.
Chicago scored three runs throughout Friday’s two video games and none within the second. That makes the choice about greater than who wears a glove. Counsell wants Bregman’s bat accessible, however he additionally wants the remainder of his lineup to provide.
The most important unanswered query is easy: Can Bregman play third when the playoffs start? Till the Cubs verify the plan, Conforto’s function and Shaw’s beginning alternative stay up within the air. Sunday’s lineup may sharpen the image; Tuesday’s postseason card will present the reply.
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