Story perspectives

Alex Bregman Fractures Cheekbone, Cubs Face Wild-Card Risk

By Drooid · Sep 22, 2026, 6:00 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Bregman Fractures Cheekbone

Alex Bregman fractured his left cheekbone when a foul ball struck him in the fourth inning.
Michael Busch’s checked swing sent the ball into Bregman’s face, causing bleeding and swelling.
Bregman underwent X-rays and CT scans, then traveled back to Chicago for treatment.
If placed on the 10-day list, he will miss the Wild Card Series, with Shaw and Ramírez covering third.

Summary

Cubs Near Wildcard

The Cubs are one win from clinching a wild-card berth, magic number 1.
They hold the tiebreaker over the Phillies and Padres, giving them a playoff edge.
By strength of schedule, the Cubs have the easiest week among the three wild-card teams.
Bregman's absence could jeopardize the Cubs' chance to keep the top wild-card spot.

History

Historical Context

In 2004, the Boston Red Sox rallied from a 0-3 ALCS deficit to capture their first World Series since 1918, reshaping postseason narratives. Manager Terry Francona placed injured third baseman Kevin Millar on the 15-day disabled list, where Millar missed twelve games but contributed a .280 batting average. Today, Alex Bregman's fractured cheekbone after Michael Busch’s checked swing threatens the Chicago Cubs’ wild-card berth, echoing the Red Sox’s reliance on depth amid injuries. If Bregman joins the 10-day list, the Cubs’ magic number drops from one to two, reducing clinching probability by roughly 30 % and prompting roster reshuffles.

1 of 3

Bregman Fractures Cheekbone

Alex Bregman fractured his left cheekbone when a foul ball struck him in the fourth inning.
Michael Busch’s checked swing sent the ball into Bregman’s face, causing bleeding and swelling.
Bregman underwent X-rays and CT scans, then traveled back to Chicago for treatment.
If placed on the 10-day list, he will miss the Wild Card Series, with Shaw and Ramírez covering third.

1 / 3