Alex Bregman's limitations are handcuffing Craig Counsell's Wild Card lineup decisions

The fact that Alex Bregman is playing in games less than two weeks after taking a foul ball to the face and suffering multiple facial fractures is incredible, and while the Chicago Cubs are at their best with Bregman in the lineup, his current limitations have limited the flexibility Craig Counsell has elsewhere.

Bregman served as the Cubs' designated hitter during their Game 1 loss to the San Diego Padres, and that's tied to the comfort level of him playing third base. When healthy, Bregman is arguably one of the best fielders at the hot corner in all of baseball. The problem is that while recovering from the aforementioned facial fractures, Bregman being relegated to DH duty limits the risk of further injury.

The problem that creates is with Pedro Ramirez at third base. Ramirez certainly has been an encouraging development for the Cubs this season, and while he's had offensive success this season, he's struggled against right-handed pitching.

Against righties this season, Ramirez is slashing .237/.298/.364 with a wRC+ of 82. To be clear, it's not like Counsell has a better option available to him. The other option, Matt Shaw, has also struggled against right-handed pitcher, boasting a wRC+ of 79 across 90 plate appearances this season.

Beyond the struggles that Ramirez and Shaw have had against right-handed pitchers this season, Bregman serving as the DH has forced Michael Conforto to the bench.

Cubs can't escape Alex Bregman dilemma that's complicating Craig Counsell's Wild Card lineup

Conforto has been used almost exclusively against right-haded pitchers this season. He has 302 plate appearances against righties this year, and only 11 against southpaws. In those 302 plate appearances, Conforto posted a 113 wRC+ with 29 extra-base hits.

No, Conforto likely wouldn't have made a difference in Game 1, that game quickly got away from the Cubs. But in looking for ways that Counsell could switch things up ahead of Game 2, one would think he would find a way to get the veteran into the lineup, especially since they will be facing the right-handed Nick Pivetta.

Of course, that may not be possible if Counsell doesn't feel comfortable with playing Bregman at third base. Bregman was taking reps at third base on Monday, and suggested that he would be capable of playing the field if asked. Facing an elimination game, perhaps it's cause for Counsell to step out of his comfort zone and force the issue with Bregman's return to third.

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