Alex Bregman Starts as DH for Cubs 9 Days After Facial Fractures

Chicago Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman returned to the lineup as designated hitter for Game 1 of the NL Wild Card Series against the Padres, just nine days after sustaining eight facial fractures from a foul ball. Manager Craig Counsell kept Bregman at DH to protect his critical at-bats, starting Pedro Ramírez at third. Bregman finished the regular season hitting .265 with 28 homers and 93 RBIs, becoming the 11th player in MLB history to reach 10 straight postseasons.