During Sunday’s game, the Chicago Cubs celebrated a 9-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds, but it was marred by an injury to third baseman Alex Bregman. He was struck in the face by a foul ball while on-deck in the fourth inning. His teammate, Michael Busch, had hit a foul that bounced off home plate and nailed Bregman on the left side of his face.
Showing clear signs of pain, Bregman rushed towards the dugout holding his face. Medical personnel quickly assisted him to the clubhouse, while Matt Shaw took over his position at third base.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell stated that the impact from the ball led to injuries including a laceration beneath his eye, swelling, and a nosebleed. Following the incident, Bregman was taken to a nearby Cincinnati hospital for a series of CT scans and X-rays to assess any potential fractures in his cheek or around his eyes.
Later in the day, Bregman shared an update on Instagram, revealing a swollen shut left eye and a plugged nose, but he expressed gratitude for the support, reassuring fans that he would return.
Medical staff allowed him to travel back to Chicago with the team that night. As the Cubs grapple with a tight race for the National League Wild Card in the season’s final week, any prolonged absence from Bregman could prove to be a significant blow. If he ends up on the injured list, Shaw and Pedro Ramirez would step in to fill the gap at third base.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable risks players face on the field. Last summer, similar situations occurred when a Rays reliever was carted off after a 105 mph line drive hit him in the dugout, and another player suffered facial fractures after bunting a fastball.
The Cubs will have a day off on Monday before they play against the Miami Marlins on Tuesday.
