Astros' Alex Bregman: Returning to lineup as DH

Bregman (elbow) will serve as the Astros' designated hitter and leadoff batter in Wednesday's game against the Red Sox, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Bregman will return to the lineup for the first time in a week, as he had been on the bench for each of the past five games while dealing with swelling on the back of his right elbow. General manager Dana Brown said earlier Wednesday that Bregman could play third base if needed, but the Astros will ease him back in a non-defensive role in his first game since Aug. 14. Bregman had typically served as the Astros' No. 2 hitter prior to suffering the injury, but he'll move into the leadoff spot Wednesday while normal table setter Jose Altuve gets a day off.