Alex Bregman (face) starting at DH versus Red Sox

Chicago manager Craig Counsell will stick with a near-identical lineup, with the exception of Matt Shaw at the hot corner instead of Pedro Ramírez, after Tuesday’s unexpected Game 1 shutout loss at the hands of Michael King and the Padres. Crow-Armstrong struck out three times in four plate appearances in that defeat. Here’s the full lineup: Crow-Armstrong (CF), Alex Bregman (DH), Michael Busch (1B), Seiya Suzuki (RF), Ian Happ (LF), Nico Hoerner (2B), Matt Shaw (3B), Carson Kelly (C) and Dansby Swanson (SS).

Bregman is ready for the start of the postseason after returning to Chicago’s lineup less than one week after suffering multiple facial fractures when he was hit by a foul ball in the on-deck circle. It’ll be rookie Pedro Ramírez filling in at the hot corner with Bregman limited to DH as he continues to recover. Here’s the full lineup for Tuesday’s series opener in San Diego: Pete Crow-Armstrong (CF), Bregman (DH), Michael Busch (1B), Seiya Suzuki (RF), Ian Happ (LF), Nico Hoerner (2B), Ramírez (3B), Carson Kelly (C) and Dansby Swanson (SS).

Seriously, you can’t make this stuff up. Bregman proved without a reasonable doubt that he’s ready for the postseason by launching a pair of homers in a four-hit performance against his former team after suffering multiple facial fractures last weekend when he was struck by a foul ball in the on-deck circle. The 32-year-old veteran third baseman finishes his Chicago debut hitting .265/.355/.464 with 92 runs scored, 28 homers, 93 RBI and three steals in 155 games. He’ll lead the Cubs into a best-of-three NL Wild Card Series against the Padres this week.

Bregman just returned to the Cubs’ lineup on Friday afternoon after missing three games due to fractures in his cheek, so they’ll ease him back into action and give him the night off. He could still make an appearance off the bench if needed. Matt Shaw will start in his place at the hot corner and will bat ninth against Red Sox’ right-hander Brayan Bello.

Bregman told reporters he’s hoping to return to game action at some point against his former team at Fenway Park later this week. It’ll be Pedro Ramírez getting another turn at the cold corner in his absence. The 32-year-old third baseman was extremely fortunate to avoid serious injury when he was struck by a foul ball in the on-deck circle last weekend. He was diagnosed with multiple facial fractures. The widely-held expectation is that he’ll be ready for Chicago’s upcoming postseason run.

All signs point to Bregman, who went through a light workout prior to Tuesday’s game against the Marlins, avoiding a trip to the injured list. It’s an extremely positive update after he suffered multiple facial fractures when he was struck by a foul ball in the on-deck circle over the weekend. The 32-year-old third baseman is at least a couple days away from getting back into Chicago’s lineup, but it’s possible he’s back before the postseason gets underway next week. It’ll be rookie Pedro Ramírez taking over at the hot corner in his absence on Tuesday night.

It doesn’t sound like Bregman is going on the injured list for the final week of the regular season. However, he’s highly unlikely to be available in any capacity after being diagnosed with multiple facial fractures. The 32-year-old third baseman was injured in a freak accident where he was struck by a foul ball in the on-deck circle over the weekend. He’s aiming to make it back for the postseason. It’ll be rookie Pedro Ramírez taking over at the hot corner in his absence on Tuesday night.

It’s a massive relief that Bregman didn’t suffer any additional serious injuries when he was hurt in a freak accident while standing in the on-deck circle during Sunday’s game against the Reds. The 32-year-old third baseman was one of the hottest hitters in the game during the second half, hitting .296 (68-for-230) with 17 home runs and 48 RBI in 59 games following the All-Star break. It’s an unfortunate development for fantasy managers heading into the home stretch in rotisserie leagues, and head-to-head formats still running, but it sounds like there’s optimism that Bregman will be able to return at some point during Chicago’s upcoming postseason run. It’ll likely be a combination of Pedro Ramírez and Matt Shaw handling the hot corner in his absence.

Bregman, who had a cut and a bloody nose, is undergoing tests to see if any bones were broken. If he’s going to miss some time, the Cubs figure to use Matt Shaw and Pedro Ramírez at third base.

The ball bounced after a checked swing from Michael Busch and caught Bregman just under the bill of his helmet. Matt Shaw took over at third base.