Whatever happens in the next week, Bregman wants the Red Sox to avoid distractions and stay focused on the game. Boston will attempt to bounce back from its series opening loss to the Dodgers with Garrett Crochet on the mound Saturday. Los Angeles will counter with veteran Clayton Kershaw.

Ownership can’t let Alex Bregman be a one-and-done Red Sox like Adrian Beltré in 2010 given his value to the team on and off the field.

Anyone who has watched Alex Bregman’s first seven games back in the Red Sox lineup can see clearly that he’s not 100%. In the eyes of the club, that’s the price that has to be paid for his accelerated return.