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Bregman Eyes Fast Return After Facial Fractures

By Drooid · Sep 24, 2026, 11:32 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Bregman Eyes Return

Alex Bregman aims to return to the Cubs lineup despite multiple facial fractures.
He was struck below his left eye by a foul ball in Sunday’s game versus Cincinnati.
Manager Craig Counsell said Bregman will not be placed on the injured list and could start as DH.
He geared up during Tuesday’s loss to the Miami Marlins, showing readiness to return soon.

Summary

Cubs Near Wildcard

The Cubs entered the final week with a magic number of one to clinch a wild-card berth.
Chicago held the tiebreaker over the San Diego Padres.
Chicago led the head-to-head record against the Philadelphia Phillies.
The team sat five games ahead of the Arizona Diamondbacks, the first team eliminated from the race.

History

Historical Context

On October 14 2003, the Chicago Cubs led the NLCS 3–0 and were five outs from their first World Series since 1945 when fan Steve Bartman’s interference sparked an eight-run eighth inning that forced a Game 7 loss to the Florida Marlins. The collapse deepened the “Curse of the Billy Goat,” a narrative that still shapes Cubs roster decisions today.

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Bregman Eyes Return

Alex Bregman aims to return to the Cubs lineup despite multiple facial fractures.
He was struck below his left eye by a foul ball in Sunday’s game versus Cincinnati.
Manager Craig Counsell said Bregman will not be placed on the injured list and could start as DH.
He geared up during Tuesday’s loss to the Miami Marlins, showing readiness to return soon.

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