CHICAGO — Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman is expected to return to regular-season play after suffering multiple facial fractures from a foul ball strike.
Chicago manager Craig Counsell reported that Bregman participated in a light weight room workout and practiced tracking pitches in a batting cage, with no current plans to place him on the injured list.
“He’s still dealing with considerable swelling around his face and eye that needs to improve,” Counsell stated. “But overall, he is in a good condition.”
Bregman was batting on deck during the fourth inning of a 9-1 victory in Cincinnati when he was hit on the left side of his face by Michael Busch’s check-swing foul ball. He immediately jogged to the Cubs’ dugout, covering his face before heading back to the clubhouse with an athletic trainer.
“When this happened on Sunday, the worst-case scenario was a real concern,” said Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer. “But all updates since then have been positive. He’s been examined by several doctors and the news has been encouraging. We are taking it step by step.”
Pedro Ramírez started at third base in an 8-2, 12-inning loss to Miami, going 0 for 5 with two strikeouts. Matt Shaw is also a potential fill-in at third base while Bregman recovers.
The Cubs, currently 87-70, could secure an NL wild card spot with a win over Miami or if Arizona loses to Colorado.
Chicago has five games remaining in the regular season, although plans for their weekend series against Boston remain uncertain due to heavy rain forecasts.
“I truly believe Alex will be fine,” Counsell said. “He’s already eager to play; even driving home from Cincinnati, he was determined to get back on the field. He needed good medical news — and he got it. As long as his symptoms don’t worsen with increased activity, I expect to see him playing soon.”
Bregman is batting .262 with 26 homers and 89 RBIs across 153 games in his first year with the Cubs. The three-time All-Star joined Chicago on a five-year, $175 million contract during free agency.
The 32-year-old started slowly in Chicago, hitting .229 with just two home runs in his first 20 games, but has been one of the team’s top performers since the All-Star break, batting .305 with 17 homers and 48 RBIs in 57 recent games.
Bregman has also shined in past postseasons, winning two World Series titles with the Houston Astros and appearing in at least two playoff games each year for the last nine seasons.
“Seeing a friend and teammate get hit in the face and bleed like that was tough,” said Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner. “His response has been inspiring — his relentless positivity and enthusiasm for returning to play have really uplifted the team.”
Fan Take: This update is a huge relief for baseball fans who value the health and impact of star players like Bregman. His return not only boosts the Cubs’ postseason hopes but also reminds fans of the resilience and passion that define the sport.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
