Craig Counsell Announces Alex Bregman News After Removal From Cubs Lineup
Alex Bregman's tenure with the Chicago Cubs is not off to the start either side envisioned. Bregman signed a five-year, $140 million contract this past winter to become one of the faces of the franchise, but through 29 games, the 32-year-old third baseman has yet to find his groove.
He is hitting .244 with a .331 on-base percentage, .692 OPS, three home runs and 10 RBIs. While the production has been underwhelming, Bregman's track record suggests he is more than capable of turning things around.
Across 11 seasons with the Houston Astros and Boston Red Sox before arriving in Chicago, he earned three All-Star selections, a Gold Glove and a Silver Slugger.
Recently, though, Bregman's struggles have intensified. He has gone hitless in his last 10 at-bats, but it turns out there may be a reason behind the slump. Cubs manager Craig Counsell revealed that Bregman is dealing with a sore toe after fouling a ball off it during Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Bregman played through the injury on Monday in the series opener against the San Diego Padres, but for Tuesday's game, he was removed from the lineup. Matt Shaw drew the start at third base instead.
Counsell added that Bregman was affected "pretty significantly" while running on Monday, and although the toe is improving, the Cubs want to ensure the issue is fully behind him before putting him back on the field (h/t Meghan Montemurro of The Chicago Tribune).
Alex Bregman isn't in Cubs lineup tonight as he deals with a sore toe after fouling a pitch off it during Sunday's game in LA.
— Meghan Montemurro (@MegMontemurro) April 29, 2026
Bregman was affected when running "pretty significantly" by end of Monday's game. It's feeling better, but Counsell wanted to make sure it's behind him.
The encouraging news is that Counsell does not expect Bregman to require a stint on the injured list, calling it more of a day-to-day situation. And the Cubs can afford to be cautious. It is still only April, and Chicago sits at 17-12, remaining one of the stronger teams in the National League.
Getting Bregman healthy, and eventually back to his usual level, will be essential as the Cubs push deeper into the season.
Related: Cubs' Ian Happ Announces Personal News Before Dodgers Game
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This story was originally published April 28, 2026 at 10:13 PM.