Projected Cubs playoff lineup if Alex Bregman misses NL Wild Card Series

The Chicago Cubs will likely provide an update on Alex Bregman's status before tonight's game against the Miami Marlins, but if the photos are any indicator, Bregman may not be available for the Cubs before the start of the NL Wild Card series next week.

Obviously, the Cubs didn't want to be in a position where Craig Counsell has to construct a playoff lineup that doesn't include Bregman. One of the primary reasons why the Cubs were eager to sign Bregman last offseason was because of his playoff experience. But, if there's the tiniest of silver linings available to the Cubs, it's that Dansby Swanson returned over the weekend.

Cubs may need a new Wild Card starting lineup plan with Alex Bregman's status suddenly uncertain

With Swanson resuming his post as not only a leader on the field for the Cubs, but one of the best defensive shortstops in baseball, the Cubs are in a position to weather the absence of Bregman, assuming there's hope of his return after the Wild Card round.

1. Pete Crow-Armstrong, CF
2. Nico Hoerner, 2B
3. Seiya Suzuki, RF
4. Michael Busch, 1B
5. Ian Happ/Tyrone Taylor, LF
6. Pedro Ramirez/Matt Shaw, 3B
7. Michael Conforto, DH
8. Carson Kelly, C
9. Dansby Swanson. SS

The biggest change from the lineups Craig Counsell has relied on in recent weeks is Nico Hoerner moving up to the top of the lineup. Lost in the production that Bregman and Pete Crow-Armstrong have had during the second-half of the season is that Nico Hoerner has retuned to form. Since the All-Star break, Hoerner is slashing .316/.337/.402 with a wRC+ of 106. Given the speed he also offers, Hoerner returning to the top of lineup should help negate the loss of Bregman's production.

As for who takes over at third base, it will likely be a combination of Matt Shaw and Pedro Ramirez. Shaw almost certainly will get the starts against left-handed pitchers, with Ramirez getting the look against righties.

It's worth noting that Counsell does love his lefty/righty splits. Even with Bregman potentially sidelined, it would seem likely that Michael Conforto sits against southpaws, and whoever isn't playing third base for the Cubs, opens a playoff game as the team's designated hitter.

Truth be told, it's clear the absence of Bregman would still be felt, but it's not a lineup the Cubs can't win with to start the playoffs. Though, the length may not be what it could have been if Bregman were healthy.

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