Bregman wants to play

Alex Bregman told Cubs manager Craig Counsell he wanted to be in the starting lineup ahead of playoffs.

“Alex really wants to play”

Bregman hits two homers

Bregman belted two no-doubt homers in his first two at-bats at Tropicana Field.

Bregman adjusts stance

Bregman corrected his posture after video review with assistant director Ben Martin to improve hitting form.

“I was kind of looking uphill and kind of [leaning] back”

Bregman texts manager

Bregman texted manager Counsell saying he was ready after fixing his stance and felt good.

“LFG”

Bregman's performance

Bregman hit two homers and added a single, walk, and double in the game.

Bregman's helmet change

Bregman switched to a helmet with longer earflaps for more protection after facial injuries.

“I felt like I was in a football helmet out there”

Bregman's playoff status

Counsell will decide if Bregman plays third base or stays as designated hitter for playoffs.