Chicago Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman sustained an injury during Sunday’s 9-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. The incident occurred when a foul ball struck him in the face while he was in the on-deck circle.
During the fourth inning at Great American Ball Park, teammate Michael Busch hit a foul ball into the dirt near home plate. The ball bounced up and hit Bregman on the left side of his face. In visible discomfort, Bregman ran to the visitors’ dugout holding his face. Medical personnel accompanied him to the clubhouse, and Matt Shaw replaced him at third base.
Manager Craig Counsell confirmed the ball impacted Bregman’s left cheekbone, causing a cut under his eye, a nosebleed, and swelling. Bregman was taken to a Cincinnati hospital for CT scans and X-rays to check for fractures around the eye socket and cheekbone.
Bregman later updated fans on Instagram, showing his swollen left eye and plugged nose and writing, “Thanks for the messages y’all. I’ll be back.” Medical staff allowed him to travel back to Chicago with the team that evening.
With the postseason approaching, any extended absence from Bregman could affect the Cubs during the National League Wild Card race, with only a week left in the regular season. If Bregman is placed on the injured list, the team will depend on Matt Shaw and Pedro Ramirez for third base duties.
This incident serves as a reminder of how quickly situations on the field can turn concerning. Last summer, Rays reliever Hunter Bigge had to be carted off after being hit by a 105 mph line drive. Cleveland’s David Fry experienced facial fractures while bunting a fastball.
The Cubs have a rest day scheduled for Monday before they play the Miami Marlins at home on Tuesday.
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