Cubs get jarring Alex Bregman injury update with surprising playoff optimism still alive

While the Chicago Cubs likely won't provide an update on Alex Bregman's status until Tuesday, before their game against the Miami Marlins at Wrigley Field, ESPN's Jeff Passan has revealed the Cubs' third baseman is dealing with multiple facial fractures.

Despite the diagnosis, Passan adds that Bregman will not be undergoing surgery and is eyeing a return to the Cubs during the playoffs. Considering the Wild Card series begins next Tuesday, it feels like a potential return would happen during the NLDS.

Alex Bregman has multiple facial fractures but is still eyeing Cubs playoff return

Tuesday is likely when the Cubs will place Bregman on the IL, ending his regular season, and that may be the first tell for when the team believes veteran third baseman could make his return. Through means of the seven-day IL for concussions, Bregman would have a path toward returning for the Wild Card Series. Otherwise, the 10-day IL would erase his availability.

In past years, the loss of Bregman would have been a crippling blow to the Cubs ahead of the playoffs. Things are a little bit different this season. Between Matt Shaw and Pedro Ramirez, the Cubs have capable options to replace Bregman at third base.

Given how the Cubs value infield defense, it would seem that Shaw would be in line to get most of the starts at third base in Bregman's absence. It's worth noting that both Shaw and Ramirez have thrived against left-handed pitching this season, and had their struggles against righties. That would be the reason why Shaw's defense at third could place him on the inside track of starting for the Cubs at third base during the NL Wild Card series, assuming Bregman won't be available.

Still, the loss of Bregman for any playoff game still is a significant blow to the Cubs. Part of the reason why the Cubs went out of their way to sign Bregman to a five-year deal worth $175 million is because of his playoff experience. The expectation was that Bregman's presence would give the Cubs something they lacked last October when they ran out of gas against the Brewers in the NLDS.

Of course, the larger concern is what Bregman's absence means for the Cubs' offense as a whole. With his resurgent second-half, the Cubs' offense was proving to be one of the reasons to have hope that despite the uncertainty surrounding the pitching staff, the team could still go on a deep run. That will be put to a test now.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow