Chicago Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman will not undergo surgery after suffering multiple facial fractures when struck by a foul ball during Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Reds. The injury occurred in the fourth inning when a foul tip off teammate Michael Busch’s bat hit Bregman near his cheekbone while he stood near the on-deck circle.
Bregman immediately left the game with visible blood on his face and was taken to a hospital for testing. He later shared updates on social media, including photos showing swelling and bruising around his left eye and cheek, as well as gauze in his nostril. Despite the severity of the injury, Bregman posted on Instagram, “Thanks for all the messages yall. I’ll be back.”
Medical Update and Recovery Timeline
Bregman’s decision to forgo surgery was confirmed by ESPN’s Jeff Passan, who reported the Cubs received a hopeful prognosis for his recovery. While the regular season may be over for Bregman, he remains optimistic about a potential return during the postseason. The Cubs, currently 87-69, are tied with the San Diego Padres for the final playoff spot in the National League.
On-Field Impact and Performance
Bregman, 32, signed a five-year, $175 million contract with the Cubs in January and has been a cornerstone of the team’s lineup. In 153 games this season, he posted a .262/.352/.452 slash line with a 5.4 bWAR, marking his highest single-season WAR since 2019. His defensive contributions at third base have been particularly notable, though his offensive production dipped slightly from previous years.
Game Context and Immediate Aftermath
The injury unfolded during the Cubs’ 9-1 victory over the Reds. Bregman had earlier contributed with a run-scoring single in the first inning and scored in the third. After the incident, Cubs manager Craig Counsell called the foul ball strike a “terrible, terrible accident” and expressed hope for Bregman’s recovery. The team has not yet provided a definitive timeline for his return.
For now, the Cubs will proceed without Bregman as they navigate the final stretch of the regular season and potential playoff contention.