Alex Bregman In Lineup For Game 1 Of Doubleheader; Cubs' Edward Cabrera On Bereavement List

In a piece of stunning news, Alex Bregman is in the Chicago Cubs' starting lineup for Game 1 of Friday's doubleheader, just days after sustaining multiple facial fractures that rendered his left eye swollen shut.

Bregman was struck in the left cheek by a foul ball off the bat of Michael Busch in the fourth inning of Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Reds. Typically, that injury would take some time before allowing a player to return. But with the Cubs' postseason seeding at stake, Bregman missed only three games before being inserted into the lineup as the designated hitter.

Meanwhile, right-handed starter Edward Cabrera was placed on the bereavement-family medical emergency leave list. Right-hander Gavin Hollowell was activated from the 15-day injured list.

Cabrera's first season with the Cubs following a high-profile offseason trade is likely over. He posted a 5.96 ERA over 18 games (16 starts) and was shifted to a bullpen role recently with the Cubs still in need of starters.

Hollowell has a 2.51 ERA over 14⅓ innings and 14 games this year. He had been out since July 31 due to right shoulder inflammation.

The Cubs enter Friday as the No. 2 NL wild card, one game behind the San Diego Padres and one game ahead of the Philadelphia Phillies. The Cubs hold the tiebreaker over both teams.