Chicago Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman avoided a potential season-ending injury after being struck by a foul ball, with manager Craig Counsell confirming he won’t join the injured list and could return before the regular season ends.
The Incident and Initial Response
The injury occurred during a Sept. 20 game against the Cincinnati Reds when Michael Busch’s foul ball struck Bregman in the on-deck circle. The third baseman immediately dropped his bat, clutched his face, and headed to the dugout. Cubs manager Craig Counsell later described the injury as multiple fractures in his left cheek area, noting Bregman had a cut under his eye and significant swelling. Despite the severity, Bregman was cleared of concussions and hospitalized for further evaluation. The game was played at Great American Ball Park, with the Cubs winning 9-1.
Alex Bregman won't need injured list for facial fractures
Bregman shared an Instagram post showing his swollen, bruised face with the caption, Thanks for the messages y’all. I’ll be back.
The Cubs arranged for a staff member to accompany him back to Chicago instead of flying with the team, highlighting the concern over his condition. A photo shared by reporter Brett Taylor on Twitter showed Bregman with a completely swollen eye, blood on his cheek, and his right nostril plugged to prevent further bleeding.
Medical Updates and Cubs’ Strategy
Counsels confirmed that Bregman’s vision is fine and that no surgery is required, a critical development for the Cubs’ playoff hopes. He’s completely himself,
Counsell said, noting Bregman’s energy and determination. He can’t sit still. He’s all over the room. Those are really good signs.
The team president, Jed Hoyer, echoed this optimism, calling Bregman the most passionate player I’ve ever had and emphasizing his relentless drive to play.
Cubs' Star Heads to Hospital After Foul Ball to
Bregman’s recovery plan includes ramping up activity to gauge symptoms, with the Cubs’ medical staff monitoring his progress. As long as symptoms don’t increase or happen as he increases activity, I think you’re going to see him play,
Counsell said. The team has opted not to place him on the injured list, signaling confidence in his ability to return before the regular season concludes. Bregman signed a five-year, $175 million contract with the Cubs last winter, underscoring his value to their playoff aspirations.
Playoff Implications and Team Depth
The timing of Bregman’s injury couldn’t have been worse for the Cubs, who are vying for a Wild Card spot. With six games remaining, his potential return could be pivotal.
Cubs' Alex Bregman hospitalized after getting hit in face
Bregman’s $175 million, five-year contract underscores his importance to the Cubs’ playoff plans. Through 153 games, he’s hit .262 with 26 home runs, 89 RBIs, and an .804 OPS, with a surge in the second half. His absence would leave a void in a lineup that relies on his power and defensive prowess. The Cubs are five games up on a wild-card spot and can clinch a postseason berth as early as Tuesday with a win over the Marlins or a loss by the Diamondbacks.
What’s Next for Bregman and the Cubs
The Cubs’ medical team will continue assessing Bregman as he increases his workload, with a focus on his vision and swelling. If cleared, he could be available for the Wild Card Series, a critical step in their playoff journey. He’s planning on playing. He knew he had to get some good news from the doctors,
Counsell said. He’s going to do everything in his power.
For now, the Cubs remain cautiously optimistic. Hoyer joked, He doesn’t look great, that’s for sure,
but emphasized Bregman’s unmatched desire to play. There were scenarios where there was no way it was going to happen… but he didn’t. Now he has the chance to get out there. The team’s next challenge is balancing his recovery with the urgency of the postseason. The Cubs are scheduled to face the Padres, with the NL wild-card race still in flux. Bregman could return as soon as the weekend in Boston, with six days remaining in the regular season.