Chicago Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman was forced to exit Sunday’s 9-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds after being struck in the face by a foul ball. The incident occurred while Bregman was waiting in the on-deck circle during the game’s fourth inning at Great American Ball Park.
Teammate Michael Busch hit a chopped foul ball that bounced off the dirt near home plate. The ball unexpectedly rebounded and hit Bregman on the left side of his face. In visible pain, Bregman quickly ran towards the visitors’ dugout, clutching his face. Medical personnel accompanied him to the clubhouse, and Matt Shaw took his place at third base.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell later explained that the ball struck Bregman on his left cheekbone. This resulted in a laceration under his eye, nosebleed, and swelling. Bregman was taken to a nearby Cincinnati hospital for CT scans and X-rays to determine if there were any fractures to his orbital and cheekbones.
After the game, Bregman updated fans on Instagram, showing his swollen left eye and a plugged nose with a caption expressing gratitude for the support. He reassured fans by saying, “I’ll be back.” The medical team cleared him to travel back to Chicago with his teammates later that evening.
Bregman’s potential absence could significantly affect the Cubs as they contend for a National League Wild Card spot, with only a week left in the regular season. Should Bregman need time on the injured list, the team will look to Shaw and Pedro Ramirez to cover third base.
This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the swift and unexpected dangers players face on the field. Similar accidents have happened before, such as when Rays reliever Hunter Bigge was struck by a 105 mph liner, or when Cleveland’s David Fry suffered facial fractures during a bunt attempt.
The Cubs have an off day on Monday and will face the Miami Marlins on Tuesday. The team and its fans are hopeful for Bregman’s speedy recovery.