Houston manager Dusty Baker said Bregman's rest day Monday was part of a buildup plan for the infielder, who recently returned from a lengthy stay on the injured list due to a strained left quadriceps, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

It was probably assumed Bregman's absence was benign after he started four consecutive games since coming off the injured list, but Baker confirmed that it was part of a designed plan. As such, Bregman could be on this plan for a stretch, so be prepared for more off-days coming. The Astros want to prepare Bregman for a a 17-game/17-day stretch coming up in September.