Alex Bregman's latest Cubs' low point makes it clear what's next

The Chicago Cubs are still waiting for Alex Bregman to look like the All-Star third baseman they are paying $175 million over the next five years, but it's become an exhausting experience. While Bregman has often done and said the right things during the struggles to start his Cubs' tenure, Sunday's effort against the Milwaukee Brewers left a lot to be desired.

Bregman was hitless in four plate appearances during the Cubs' 4-3 victory over Milwaukee, and is drawing the ire of Cubs fans for his lack of effort during the sixth inning. Bregman hit a ground ball to Brewers shortstop Cooper Pratt, who bobbled the ball on the exchange between his glove and throwing hand.

Pratt quickly recovered, throwing Bregman out at first base. Replays of the play made it clear that Bregman was not hustling out of the box.

Craig Counsell may soon need to give Alex Bregman the Dansby Swanson treatment

Bregman was not asked about the play after Sunday's game, but he likely will be ahead of the Cubs' game against the San Diego Padres on Monday night. Bregman will probably say all the right things, but right now, Cubs fans will be hesitant to give him the benefit of the doubt until he starts living up the expectations of his contract.

In 105 plate appearances in the month of June, Bregman is slashing .181/.324/.253 with a wRC+ of 74. Lack of slug has been what defined Bregman's first two months in the Cubs' starting lineup. The silver lining was that Bregman was still hitting. This time, Bregman isn't even hitting singles. He's not hitting at all.

From the outside perspective, it's looked like Bregman has been pressing over the past week. Bregman is credited for being a baseball rat, and while that's never a bad thing, it can certainly add to his woes when things aren't going right.

Given what happened on Sunday, the timing does appear right for Craig Counsell to give Bregman a couple of days off to reset. He did so earlier this season with Ian Happ and Dansby Swanson, and each had offensive hot streaks since. The Cubs need Bregman to be a part of the team's offensive success, especially if their scoring runs consistently is what will carry them through the pitching injuries.

Though, with Matt Shaw dealing with a wrist issue and the weather warming up at Wrigley Field this week, the Cubs may be willing to give Bregman more runway before resorting to some time off.

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