CHICAGO — Alex Bregman was not initially slated to play in the Red Sox’s lineup on Sunday as the team manages his return from a right quad strain that sidelined him for 43 games. However, his day off turned into a pivotal contribution in the Red Sox’s 6-1 victory over the Cubs at Wrigley Field, allowing the team to wrap up their three-game series on a high note.
Despite the planned rest, Bregman took the opportunity to refine his swing mechanics with the hitting coaches, working extensively in the video room and batting cages. He came off the bench to deliver a significant three-run homer in the eighth inning, showcasing the effectiveness of his training.
“Today was like a training day to get back to feeling good,” Bregman remarked after the game. He explained that he focused on correcting his swing mechanics following a challenging adjustment period since returning from the injured list on July 11, during which he managed only three hits in 16 at-bats.
Working closely with the assistant hitting coach Dillon Lawson, Bregman aimed to revert to his pre-injury form, where he maintained an impressive batting average of .299, a .385 on-base percentage, and a .938 OPS over 51 games. “We noticed I was standing more vertically and not starting in the same position pre-injury,” he noted.
His hard work paid off immediately; after pinch-hitting for Masataka Yoshida, Bregman hit a knuckle-curve deep over the left-field fence, extending the Red Sox’s lead from 2-1 to 5-1.
Bregman expressed his excitement about contributing to the team’s success against what he described as “really good” competition, highlighting the electric atmosphere that felt reminiscent of playoff baseball. Manager Alex Cora confirmed that he and Bregman had discussed the latter’s readiness to play in the later innings, with Bregman assuring him he felt prepared.
The synergy between Bregman, the coaching staff, and the team’s goal of revitalizing their season is encouraging. As he continues to regain form, it could greatly influence the Red Sox’s performance as they head into the final stretch of the season.