returned to the Astros lineup this afternoon, hitting atop the order while playing designated hitter. Bregmans leadoff homer accounted for the only run in a 4-1 lo s to the Red Sox. That was his first at-bat in a week, as the two-time All-Star hadnt played since last Wednesday because of inflammation in his right elbow. Bregmans return to the order doesnt mean hes at full strength. Breaking him Gunnar Henderson Jersey back in at DH suggested the Astros were still concerned about him throwing the ball acro s the diamond. Bregman acknowledged that could be a problem for the foreseeable future. The third baseman told reporters after the game that his defensive work will be a fluid situation for the remainder of the season ( ). Bregman made clear that he wasnt dealing with any structural damage in his UCL but noted hed need to try to mitigate swelling on a daily basis. That is far from a declaration that he wont return to third base, yet it seems likely hell get a fair amount of run at designated hitter down the stretch. That could push more frequently into left field. Houston has also given catchers and sporadic DH work as a means of keeping them fresh while getting both players into the lineup. Caratini, as the #2 option behind the plate, could lose a few reps. Diaz has started two of the past three games at first base, where the Astros had been using a / platoon. Thats another potential avenue for manager Joe Espada to keep both catchers in the lineup. The bigger question is how the Astros would cover third base if Bregmans playing time there is curtailed. Rookie is evidently the first choice. Houston called him up on Thursday and has given him the past five starts at the hot corner. Whitcomb has had a great year in Triple-A, hitting .293/.378/.530 with 25 homers and 26 stolen bases. Hed struggled with strikeouts throughout his minor league career before taking a significant step forward in that regard this season. At this point, theres no indication that Bregman is dealing with anything especially worrisome. Its neverthele s a situation worth monitoring as the Astros work to lock down another division title and into the upcoming offseason. Bregman will be a free agent for the first time and has a case as the second-best position player in the cla s behind . As MLBTR explored in greater detail , Bregman has rebounded from a dismal start to the season. He has hit the ball harder as the year has progre sed and has been on a power barrage this month. While his overall .261/.318/.450 season line is still below his standard level, thats attributable to the poor start. Bregman is playing as well as ever over the past couple months. Tucker Davidson Jersey