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Alex Bregman confirmed as designated hitter for Cubs in Wild Card Game 1

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 29, 2026, 11:54 PM

Last updated Sep 29, 2026

Alex Bregman confirmed as designated hitter for Cubs in Wild Card Game 1

Summary

The Chicago Cubs are scheduled to face the San Diego Padres on Tuesday night in Game 1 of the Wild Card matchup. Alex Bregman will serve as the Cubs' designated hitter rather than playing his usual third base position. This decision comes after he suffered a facial injury from a foul tip that resulted in multiple fractures. Cubs manager Craig Counsell emphasized the importance of Bregman's at-bats while citing the risk of further injury from playing in the field. The game is set to start at 10 p.m. EST, with Game 2 following on September 30.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Key Details

•Cubs face Padres in Wild Card Game 1 on September 29.
•Bregman suffered eight fractures in his face from a foul tip.
•Counsell prioritizes Bregman's hitting over fielding to prevent further injury.
•Pedro Martinez will play third base for the Cubs.
•Game 2 is scheduled for September 30 at 10 p.m. EST.

Latest Updates

11:54 PMYahoo Sports — Cubs news: Craig Counsell makes major Alex Bregman decision before Padres Wild Card clash

What they're saying

"
The Chicago Cubs are set to face off against the San Diego Padres on Tuesday night for Game 1 of the Wild Card matchup. Alex Bregman is expected to play after bouncing back from a scary foul tip to the face that fractured his face. However, manager Craig Counsell announced his positional plans for Bregman Reports indicate that the 32-year-old will […] The post Cubs news: Craig Counsell makes major Alex Bregman decision before Padres Wild Card clash appeared first on ClutchPoints.
— Yahoo Sports

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