Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman hospitalized after foul ball to face
Alex Bregman was taken to a hospital for X-rays and CT scans after a foul ball struck his face during a game against the Cincinnati Reds. He posted an Instagram update indicating he expects to return soon.
Chicago Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman was hospitalized for imaging tests after a foul ball hit his left cheekbone and eye area while he stood near the on-deck circle in the fourth inning of Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Reds. The ball, fouled off by teammate Michael Busch, caused bleeding and swelling, and Bregman was escorted to the clubhouse by a trainer before being taken to a nearby hospital.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Bregman underwent X-rays and CT scans and that the team hoped he could travel back to Chicago that night. The club has a day off before a three-game home series against the Miami Marlins begins on Tuesday.
"He got hit in the left cheekbone essentially, under the eye. I don’t know anything more than that right now. He was bleeding from his nose a little. There’s some swelling. It’s a terrible, terrible accident. We hope he’s OK," Counsell said.
Bregman later posted a photo on Instagram showing a swollen eye and blood on his cheek, adding that he appreciated the messages and expected to return.
"Thanks for all the messages yall. I’ll be back," Bregman wrote.
Busch described the incident as happening quickly and noted the difficulty of seeing a ball strike a teammate’s head area.
"It just happens so fast. [Mey] is throwing the ball hard and it comes off hard. Any time it enters the head area, it’s always a scary thing. We try to focus on the game, but it’s tough. Hopefully he’s OK, first and foremost," Busch said.
Outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong expressed concern for his teammate’s wellbeing, while Counsell said the priority is receiving a medical report before considering any impact on roster plans.