The Chicago Cubs are running out of time to get Alex Bregman healthy, and Craig Counsell's latest update offered both encouraging news and a reason for concern. Bregman is making progress at the plate, but the lingering effects of his eye injury could complicate his return as Chicago approaches the postseason.
Bregman's recovery comes with lingering pain and swelling
Speaking to reporters Thursday, September 24th, Counsell explained that Bregman's latest hitting session went well. Unfortunately, the veteran third baseman is still dealing with swelling, and the pain associated with his injury has become more noticeable.
"I think he had a good day yesterday," Counsell said. "He needs to get the swelling down still. I think that's going to help him feel better. I think some of the pain has set in a little bit, honestly. Which makes sense."
That's hardly the update Cubs fans wanted to hear with the regular season nearly over. Still, the fact that Bregman is already increasing his baseball activity provides some encouragement.
Counsell sounded pleased with how Bregman handled his hitting session and outlined the next step in his recovery.
"He's feeling good in terms of the hitting part. That went well. He was happy with how that went. So we'll just do a little more. He'll run around a little bit more today and see how that makes him feel. And then we'll just keep progressing."
The distinction between being able to hit and being ready to play is an important one. Bregman might feel comfortable swinging a bat, but that doesn't necessarily mean he's prepared to handle everything that comes with playing nine innings.
There is also the question of how his face will respond as his workload increases. Counsell offered no timetable for his return, leaving the Cubs to evaluate his progress one day at a time.
Cubs can't afford another offensive setback
Bregman's absence comes at a particularly difficult time for Chicago. The Cubs have struggled to generate consistent offense in recent games, something Counsell openly acknowledged during Thursday's press conference.
"I'd like to score more runs too, Bruce," Counsell said. "We haven't scored enough."
The manager specifically pointed to the team's inability to draw walks over its previous two games. Getting runners on base has been a significant part of Chicago's offensive approach throughout the season, and Counsell wants his hitters to return to what has worked.
Bregman's return would give Chicago another established bat, but rushing him back while he's still experiencing swelling and pain would introduce an entirely different problem.
The Cubs need more than a player who can take batting practice. They need Bregman healthy enough to contribute when the games become even more consequential.
For now, Thursday's update leaves Chicago with some encouraging progress but no guarantee that its veteran third baseman will be ready when needed. With the postseason approaching, every additional day of recovery becomes increasingly significant.
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