Chicago Cubs’ Alex Bregman Suffers Facial Injury from Foul Ball

During the Chicago Cubs’ 9-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds, third baseman Alex Bregman had to exit the game after a foul ball struck him in the face. This incident took place during the fourth inning at Great American Ball Park.

While in the on-deck circle, Bregman was hit by a ball chopped into the dirt by his teammate, Michael Busch. The ball bounced up and hit him on the left side of his face. Bregman immediately ran towards the dugout, visibly in pain, holding his face as he went.

Medical staff accompanied Bregman to the clubhouse. Matt Shaw stepped in to replace him at third base. Cubs manager Craig Counsell noted the ball struck Bregman on the left cheekbone, resulting in a laceration under his eye, a nosebleed, and swelling.

Bregman was transported to a local hospital in Cincinnati for X-rays and CT scans to check for any fractures in the orbital or cheek area. Despite the injuries, Bregman posted an update on Instagram later, showing his swollen left eye and plugged nose, stating, “Thanks for the messages y’all. I’ll be back.”

The medical team cleared Bregman to travel back to Chicago with the team on Sunday night. An extended absence for him could significantly impact the Cubs, who are in a tight race for the National League Wild Card with just a week left in the regular season. If Bregman cannot play, the Cubs will depend on Matt Shaw and Pedro Ramirez to cover third base.

This serves as a reminder of the quick turn of events that can occur on the field. Just last summer, Tampa Bay Rays reliever Hunter Bigge was injured by a 105 mph liner, and Cleveland’s David Fry suffered facial fractures while bunting.