Cubs Injury Update: Alex Bregman's recovery, Justin Steele's plan, Gavin Hollowell

Despite speculation that Alex Bregman would land on the IL after being hit in the face by a foul ball on Sunday, Craig Counsell revealed the current plan is for Bregman to avoid the IL, and there's a chance he could return to the Chicago Cubs before the end of the regular season.

Bregman was with the Cubs on Tuesday, and not just standing idle. Remarkably, Bregman did some work, including working on pitch-tracking in the team's hitting cages. While Counsell's comments hinted at the probability of Bregman returning to the Cubs before Sunday, Jed Hoyer was more cautious with his assessment of the situation.

Alex Bregman appears to be defying logic, return to Cubs could be imminent

“We all thought the worst case might be a possibility,” Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer told reporters. “All the news since then has been really good. He’s had a lot of different doctor’s appointments, and they’ve been positive. We have to take it one step at a time. We have to see how he’s doing when he’s moving around and active. But he’s in great spirits."

At best, Bregman's role with the Cubs for the rest of the regular season and the NL Wild Card round should be viewed as to be determined. It would seem that he's made encouraging strides in his recovery, but that doesn't mean he will be at the point where he will be ready to play third base for a nine-inning game.

Justin Steele could factor into the Cubs' pitching plans against the Boston Red Sox

Justin Steele is with the Cubs at Wrigley Field this week, and is expected to a throw a bullpen before the team's game against the Miami Marlins on Wednesday. Steele has completed his minor-league rehab assignment, and Counsell told reporters that his return could take place this weekend against the Red Sox.

The current weather forecast could make things interesting between the Cubs and Red Sox this weekend. While no decisions have been made, it would seem most likely that there is a doubleheader between the teams on Friday, and hope to that they are able to find a window to play the game on Saturday. If that's the case, Steele being reinstated from the IL would make sense, considering the Cubs would need to cover 27 innings over the span of 24 hours.

Gavin Hollowell completes rehab assignment, could still be a playoff bullpen option

With the continued struggles of Edward Cabrera and Caleb Thielbar, it would seem likely that a path remains available for Gavin Hollowell to sneak onto the Cubs' playoff roster. Before his shoulder injury in July, Hollowell appeared to be moving toward Craig Counsell's circle of trust. With the Iowa Cubs' season finished, Hollowell is currently with the team and could be another option for the team during their series against the Red Sox.

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