The Chicago Cubs received an important boost just days before the postseason when Alex Bregman returned to the lineup after suffering multiple facial fractures from a foul ball. The veteran third baseman was back on the field only five days after the frightening incident, serving as the designated hitter during the first game of Friday’s doubleheader against the Boston Red Sox.
Bregman’s return was significant even though the veteran did not immediately produce at the plate. He went 0-for-4 and struck out with two runners in scoring position, but simply seeing him back in the lineup provided the Cubs with another experienced offensive option heading into October.
The timing could hardly be more important. Chicago’s postseason begins Tuesday, leaving the team with only a few games to rediscover the offensive rhythm that helped make it one of baseball’s most productive lineups during the regular season.
A remarkable return after facial injury
Bregman’s quick return was particularly impressive considering the nature of his injury. Just five days earlier, he was struck in the face by a foul ball and suffered multiple facial fractures, an incident that understandably raised questions about when he would be able to play again.
Instead of allowing the injury to keep him out for an extended period, Bregman worked his way back into the lineup almost immediately. His teammates noticed the determination that went into the recovery.
Starting pitcher Clay Holmes praised Bregman’s competitive mindset, saying the veteran never appeared defeated and remained determined to return to the field. For a Cubs team preparing for playoff baseball, that mentality could be just as valuable as Bregman’s offensive production.
Bregman also made it clear that his priority was returning to a normal baseball mindset. Once he stepped into the batter’s box, he wanted to focus on his mechanics, pitches and at-bats rather than the injury.
Bregman admits his swing needs work
Although Bregman was pleased to be back, he acknowledged that his first game was far from perfect. He described his mechanics as poor and recognized that he needs to make adjustments before the Cubs begin their postseason run.
The veteran’s goal was not necessarily to produce immediately but to get comfortable again, take competitive at-bats and remove the mental distraction of the injury.
Bregman said he was excited about the postseason and viewed Friday as an opportunity to get back into the rhythm of playing. His comments also reflected the urgency surrounding the Cubs, who have little time remaining to correct any offensive problems before the games begin to carry much greater consequences.
For Chicago, getting Bregman healthy and comfortable at the plate could be a major development. He has been one of the team’s most productive hitters and gives the lineup another player capable of producing in important situations.
Cubs’ powerful offense suddenly goes quiet
The biggest concern surrounding Chicago heading into October is not simply Bregman’s health. It is the overall state of the offense.
The Cubs entered Friday as Major League Baseball’s highest-scoring team and second in home runs, but their production dropped sharply during the final stretch of the regular season.
Over their previous five games, Chicago scored only nine runs and hit just one home run. The Cubs scored two runs in each of their three games against Miami earlier in the week, managed three runs in the opening game of Friday’s doubleheader and were shut out in the second game.
Their only home run during that stretch came from Seiya Suzuki in the victory that officially clinched Chicago’s postseason berth.
That offensive slowdown contributed to the Cubs going just 1-4 during that stretch, raising questions about whether the lineup can regain its earlier form when the playoffs arrive.
Weather played a role, but Chicago still needs more
There were legitimate external factors contributing to the Cubs’ recent offensive struggles.
Chicago played three games in cool and windy conditions at Wrigley Field before traveling to Boston, where weather conditions also affected Friday’s games at Fenway Park. Several well-hit balls that might have left the park under more favorable conditions stayed inside the stadium.
Manager Craig Counsell pointed specifically to the first game of Friday’s doubleheader, believing Chicago had hit several balls well enough to leave the park under normal circumstances. From his perspective, the Cubs had opportunities to produce more runs but were held back by the conditions.
Still, the Cubs cannot rely on weather explanations once the postseason begins.
October baseball will bring strong pitching staffs, pressure-packed situations and little room for offensive inconsistency. Whether the problem is cold weather, difficult pitching or simply a temporary slump, Chicago needs its hitters to rediscover their approach quickly.
Bregman believes the lineup can turn it around
Bregman does not appear overly concerned about the Cubs’ recent offensive downturn. His message is centered on the importance of moving forward rather than dwelling on a handful of poor offensive performances.
The veteran emphasized that baseball can change quickly. One strong swing can alter an inning, a game or even the momentum of an entire lineup.
That philosophy could be particularly important during the postseason. The Cubs are unlikely to score at an extraordinary rate in every playoff game, meaning they may have to win some low-scoring contests while also taking advantage when their offense catches fire.
Bregman acknowledged that Chicago needs to improve after the recent offensive struggles but stressed the importance of concentrating on the next pitch rather than allowing previous at-bats to affect future opportunities.
Cubs need more than just Bregman
While Bregman’s return gives Chicago another important piece, the Cubs cannot expect one player to fix the entire offense.
The lineup has produced at an elite level for much of the season, and its success has been based on contributions from multiple hitters. That depth will become even more important in October, when opposing teams can deploy their strongest pitchers more frequently and every at-bat carries additional weight.
Players such as Seiya Suzuki and the rest of Chicago’s offensive core will need to rediscover their power, while the Cubs’ table-setters must find ways to get on base and create opportunities for the middle of the order.
Bregman’s return could provide a spark, but Chicago’s postseason hopes will ultimately depend on the lineup functioning as a complete unit.
October is almost here
The Cubs have already accomplished the most important regular-season objective by securing their place in the postseason. Now the challenge is to enter October playing their best baseball.
Bregman’s return provides encouraging news after what could have been a significant injury setback. Even though his first game back was quiet statistically, getting him onto the field gives Chicago valuable time to prepare him for the postseason.
The Cubs also know their recent offensive struggles cannot continue indefinitely. A lineup that spent much of the season among baseball’s most dangerous now has to rediscover the consistency that made it so productive.
Bregman’s message is simple: forget the previous few games, focus on the next pitch and keep moving forward.
With the postseason only days away, that mentality may be exactly what Chicago needs. The Cubs do not need every hitter to be perfect. They need the lineup to start producing again—and Bregman is hoping to be one of the players leading that turnaround when October baseball begins.
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