Chicago Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman was hospitalized for CT scans and X-rays after being struck in the face by a foul ball in the on-deck circle during a 9-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on September 20, 2026. The injury left him with a swollen eye and facial cuts, casting doubt on his postseason availability.
Foul Ball Strikes Bregman in the On-Deck Circle at Great American Ball Park
A routine fourth-inning plate appearance turned chaotic during Sunday’s game in Cincinnati. With two outs in the top of the fourth frame and the Chicago Cubs leading 5-0 against the Cincinnati Reds, left-handed batter Michael Busch checked his swing against Reds right-hander Luis Mey. Busch fouled the pitch into the dirt near home plate, and the ball bounced sharply upward, striking Alex Bregman squarely on the left side of his face.
Bregman dropped immediately, clutching his face in visible pain before walking toward the visitors’ dugout with a hand covering his left eye. Medical staff escorted him down the dugout steps and into the clubhouse, with blood visible on his face and dripping from his nose. Matt Shaw entered the game as a pinch-hitter, later shifting to second base while Pedro Ramírez moved to third.
“It just happens so fast. [Mey]’s 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.”
Michael Busch, Chicago Cubs teammate
Hospital Evaluation and Manager Craig Counsell’s Update
Following the 9-1 victory, Cubs manager Craig Counsell provided initial details regarding the severity of the blow. Counsell confirmed that Bregman sustained a cut under his left eye, a nosebleed, and considerable swelling around his cheekbone. The team immediately transported him to a local Cincinnati hospital to undergo X-rays and CT scans to check for orbital and cheek fractures.
Counsell noted that an initial evaluation showed no immediate signs of a concussion, though he cautioned that symptoms could still develop over time. Teammate Pete Crow-Armstrong voiced the clubhouse’s primary concern after the final out. That’s the news that I’m hoping for.
But scary stuff.
Such a rarity.
Later on Sunday evening, Bregman posted a selfie to his Instagram account showing severe bruising and his left eye swollen completely shut. His nose was plugged to prevent further bleeding, and he captioned the image with a direct message to supporters: Thanks for all the messages yall. I’ll be back.
Medical personnel subsequently cleared him to travel back to Chicago with the team on Sunday night.
Postseason Timing and Roster Implications for the Chicago Cubs
The freak injury arrives at a delicate moment for Chicago. The team holds a magic number of just 1 to secure an official postseason berth, maintaining tiebreaker advantages over direct wild-card competitors like the Philadelphia Phillies and San Diego Padres. With the regular season winding down, the Cubs have only two series remaining—hosting the Miami Marlins before closing out the schedule with a three-game series in Boston.
Bregman has been a central offensive pillar for Chicago since signing a five-year, $175 million contract in January.
If imaging reveals any facial fractures, recovery timelines could stretch across weeks, potentially sidelining the three-time All-Star for the start of October. In the event of an extended absence, Counsell indicated the club would look to Matt Shaw and Pedro Ramírez to cover third base, though neither player matches Bregman’s extensive postseason experience.
Worth a look
