Alex Bregman Injury: Cubs Third Baseman Hit in Face by Foul Ball, Playoff Hopes in Jeopardy
The Chicago Cubs are holding their breath after star third baseman Alex Bregman suffered a facial injury during Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Reds. According to manager Craig Counsell, the impact was to the left cheekbone, essentially under the eye. Bregman was standing in the on-deck circle when a foul ball struck him in the face, leaving him with a swollen left eye that remained shut as of Monday morning, which he shared on his Instagram Stories. He underwent X-rays and CT scans, though the team has not yet released a timeline for his return.
The timing couldn’t be worse for the Cubs, who are in the thick of a playoff push. Bregman has been on a tear in the second half, slashing .388 with six home runs, 17 RBI, 19 runs scored, and a stolen base over his last 16 games. His offensive surge has been a key reason why Chicago is fighting for the top Wild Card seed. Losing him for any extended period would be a significant hurdle, especially with the Phillies and Padres nipping at their heels. However, the Cubs do hold the tiebreaker advantage against both teams, which could prove crucial if the race comes down to the wire.
Just a day before the injury, Bregman had put on a show at the plate, falling a single shy of hitting for the cycle. He got the Cubs on the board early with an RBI double in the first inning, added a solo homer in the fourth, and then a two-run triple in the fifth. It was a reminder of just how valuable he is to the lineup. Now, the Cubs and their fans are hoping for the best, knowing that a prolonged absence could derail their postseason aspirations. The team is expected to provide further updates on Bregman’s condition in the coming days.
Shimanta Das 
