Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman hospitalized after foul ball strike

Alex Bregman left the Chicago Cubs' 9-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday after a foul ball struck him in the face while he was in the on-deck circle. The ball, hit by teammate Michael Busch, bounced off the dirt and hit Bregman on the left cheekbone, causing a laceration under his eye, a nosebleed and swelling. He was escorted by medical staff to the clubhouse and then transported to a local hospital for CT scans and X-rays to check for orbital and cheek fractures. The Cubs replaced him at third base with Matt Shaw. Bregman later posted on Instagram that his eye was swollen shut and his nose was plugged, thanking fans for their messages and saying he would return. Medical personnel cleared him to travel back to Chicago with the team that night. The injury comes as the Cubs contend for a National League Wild Card spot with one week left in the regular season, and a prolonged absence could affect their lineup.