WASHINGTON – The way Alex Bregman’s season has gone, each productive day at the plate is cautiously described as “a step in the right direction.”
Those steps are adding up, none more “right” than the three-homer, seven-RBI game he had in Wednesday’s 12-6 Cubs win over the Nationals.
We’ve wondered plenty of times whether Bregman was finally back, but after smacking four homers and driving in eight runs in the first two games of this series, maybe Bregman is finally back.
In his last 26 games, Bregman is batting .306, with nine homers, nine doubles, 26 RBIs, a .397 on-base percentage and a 1.054 OPS.
“The last month or so has been a step in the right direction, but really, the last two days have been a real step in the right direction,” Bregman said, offering a glimpse into his much-discussed off-field work. “I’ve had days this year when it’s gone all right, I had a few extra-base hits, and then the next day, you wake up and you get to the ballpark and it feels completely different
“We went through the archives for this, like way back in the day, all the changes … throughout my career. We were watching Corpus Christi Double-A video two nights ago in my room at 1 o’clock.”
The on-field production is starting to catch up with the impact the two-time World Series champ has made helping teammates behind the scenes.
“[That part of his] personality really fit in seamlessly,” said shortstop Dansby Swanson, who also homered in Wednesday’s win. “The one thing he’s brought so much is being able to help guys navigate through things, whether it’s other guys and their at-bats, pitchers and their approach to getting other teams out.
“He’s best when he’s got his hands in everything.”
As the Cubs chase a championship, guys with rings like Bregman and Swanson are models for their title-hungry teammates.
“Just being able to talk to guys like Bregman and Dansby, who have won World Series,” lefty reliever Ryan Rolison said Wednesday, “it’s super special and fun every day to come to work.
“They lead by action. You can see the way they navigate through the ups and downs. Both of them have had ups and downs this year, and there’s no panic. The numbers at the end of the year are going to be where they are [supposed to be].
“Those guys are established big league players, and being able to see their work ethic day in and day out and the mindset they bring every single day? You have a bad day at the field, flush it, it’s a new day the next day.”
Maton’s knee
Righty reliever Phil Maton, signed to be a key bullpen piece, has been on the injured list since July 20, dealing with a knee injury that’s landed him there three times this season.
The next couple weeks will be critical in determining if Maton, who owns a 6.18 ERA, will pitch again this season.
“We’re trying to figure out, ‘Where are you at with your knee?’ And then we’ve got to make a decision as to, ‘Can you get back, or does this make sense to even try?’” manager Craig Counsell said. “If he can pitch, he’s going to pitch. But are we putting off something that’s going to keep happening?
“That’s what we have to make a final decision on and Phil has to make a decision on shortly.”
Local product
The Cubs faced Nationals lefty Jackson Kent on Wednesday, a Chicagoland native and Lake Park High School alum who struck out six in his major league debut.