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Cubs' Bregman Hospitalized After Being Hit by Foul Ball
Confirmed
In Short: Chicago Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman was hospitalized after being hit by a foul ball in the face during Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Reds.
Chicago Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman was forced to exit Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Reds early after being hit in the face by a foul ball while standing in the on-deck circle.
Bregman was struck on the left side of his face by a ball that bounced off the dirt near home plate during the top of the fourth inning at Great American Ball Park.
The ball hit Bregman directly on his left cheekbone, causing a laceration under his eye, a nosebleed, and swelling.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell told reporters that Bregman was transported to a local Cincinnati hospital for CT scans and X-rays to check for orbital and cheek fractures.
Bregman signed with the Cubs in January on a five-year, $175 million deal.
Teammate Michael Busch fouled the ball off while batting against Reds right-hander Luis Mey.
Bregman ran toward the visitors' dugout in visible pain while holding his face.
TV cameras did not capture the moment of impact, but a camera next to the dugout showed Bregman's face bleeding and his eye swelling.
Matt Shaw came into the game to replace Bregman, with the Cubs winning 9-1.
Bregman's injury could impact the Cubs during the tight National League Wild Card race with one week remaining in the regular season.
If Bregman lands on the injured list, the Cubs will rely on Shaw and Pedro Ramirez at third base.
Counsell said the team sent Bregman to the hospital after the incident, but could not provide further details on the severity of his injuries.
What this adds
The extent of Bregman's injuries and whether he will be placed on the injured list remains unclear.
What's confirmed
- He later posted a photo of the aftermath: Cubs manager Craig Counsell told reporters that Bregman was transported to the hospital to undergo further testing: Cubs first baseman Michael Busch, who bats lefty, was at the plate against Reds right-hander Luis Mey in the fourth inning when Bregman was struck with the ball.
- Chicago Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman was forced to exit Sunday's 9-1 win over the Cincinnati Reds early after being hit in the face by a foul ball while standing in the on-deck circle.
What's still developing
- After a slow start in his first year with the Cubs, Bregman has rebounded in a big way since the All-Star break.
- Bregman was immediately taken off the field and replaced by Matt Shaw.
- At first glance, it appears as though Bregman and the Cubs avoided a total disaster, as the foul ball went off Bregman’s left cheek, leaving him with swelling, a cut, a bloody nose, but most importantly the ball didn’t get his eye, which would have caused serious issues.