Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman undergoes scans after foul ball strike
Alex Bregman was hit in the face by a foul ball during a game against the Reds and is undergoing X-ray and CT scans at a Cincinnati hospital, leaving his availability for the upcoming postseason uncertain.
Chicago’s third baseman Alex Bregman left the game in the fourth inning after a foul ball struck his face while he was in the on-deck circle. The incident occurred during a Michael Busch at-bat and resulted in a bloody nose, a cut on his left cheekbone and swelling, according to Cubs manager Craig Counsell.
"Bregman suffered a bloody nose and a cut on his left cheekbone, plus a lot of swelling," Counsell told reporters after the game.
Bregman was taken to a Cincinnati hospital for diagnostic imaging, including X-rays and a CT scan, with results expected before the Cubs’ next game on Tuesday against the Marlins. The team may decide whether to place him on the 10-day injured list, which would keep him out through the postseason, depending on the findings.
If the scans reveal only minor injuries, Chicago could keep Bregman on the active roster as it approaches the wild-card race, where a win today could clinch a postseason berth. Should the tests indicate a concussion or a facial fracture, the Cubs would likely turn to Matt Shaw and Pedro Ramirez for third-base duties.
Bregman had reached base twice in his first two plate appearances, continuing a strong second half after signing a seven-year, $175 million contract. He has posted a .293/.373/.598 slash line over his last 260 plate appearances, raising his season totals to .260/.350/.451 with 26 home runs and a 123 wRC+.