'I love our chances' -- Bregman looks to raise bar

HOUSTON -- No Astros player kept a higher profile in the three months between the abrupt end of Spring Training to this month’s reboot known as Summer Camp than star third baseman Alex Bregman, who was repeatedly out in the community in an effort to raise money for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Bregman’s role as ambassador for the Astros and the game has climbed significantly in recent years, coinciding with his rise as one of MLB’s best players. He finished a close second to Mike Trout in voting for last year’s American League Most Valuable Player Award after hitting .296 with 41 homers, 112 RBIs, 37 doubles and 119 walks, leading the AL in bWAR (8.4).

Bregman is laser focused on following up his terrific ’19 season with an even better one. First off, he has to stay on the field and adhere to the health measures to keep him free from COVID-19.

“MLB and the MLBPA are really taking it serious and putting together the necessary protocols,” Bregman said Sunday. “The Astros have done a good job of making sure that we all feel safe and that we’re abiding by the guidelines set forth by the PA and MLB. I think we’ve done a good job of that. I think guys feel comfortable here. I think it’s gone smoothly.”

Bregman wore a mask during some of Sunday’s workouts at Minute Maid Park but said he doesn’t expect to wear it during games. It’s not required by the league. Despite some positive COVID tests around the league, including within the Astros, Bregman is optimistic a 60-game season will be completed.

“I’m very optimistic,” he said. “I think guys know how serious this is, will take it seriously and will do their part ensuring we can play the game we love.”

Bregman is part of the Astros’ homegrown nucleus that has one World Series championship under its belt in ’17 and came within eight outs of winning another last year. The bitter sight of watching the Nationals celebrate a World Series title at Minute Maid Park has served as a driving force for the Astros behind the scenes, and the hiatus from camp hasn’t diminished that fire.

With Bregman, 2017 AL MVP José Altuve, ‘17 World Series MVP George Springer, star shortstop Carlos Correa, ‘19 AL Rookie of the Year Yordan Alvarez and ‘19 AL Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander, the Astros are loaded.

• Altuve upbeat as ever: 'I like the team we have'

“I love our chances,” Bregman said matter-of-factly. “I think every team faces these challenges of it being a shortened season, so you’ve got to be playing well all the time. One bad week could really hurt you, and you need to stay sharp and stay ready to go every single day, bring it every day to the ballpark. It’s going to be like coming down the stretch at the end of the season with a tight playoff race. You’ve got to be on your game the whole time.”

After raising about $2 million for the Houston Food Bank in recent months, Bregman was back in his element this week -- on the field at Minute Maid Park. He said he took time during the break to reflect on everything in his life while working in the community. He also stayed at the ready by training at his home gym with his fiancée, Reagan Howard, and working with his hitting coach.

So what if the season if only 60 games? If there’s a prize at the end, Bregman wants it.

“I love baseball,” he said. “I missed it dearly. I can’t wait to get it back.”