Full Breakdown
Alex Bregman's Facial Fracture Sparks Playoff Uncertainty for the Cubs
By Drooid · · How we work
Incident Overview
On September 20, 2026, Chicago Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman was struck in the face by a foul ball while standing in the on-deck circle during the fourth inning of a game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. The ball, hit by Michael Busch on a check-swing, bounced off the turf and made contact just below Bregman's left eye, causing multiple facial fractures and swelling. He was taken to a Cincinnati hospital for X-rays and a CT scan and released the following day.
Medical Assessment & Recovery Outlook
Team physicians confirmed several fractures, including one near a facial nerve that left the left side of his face numb. Surgery was not required and his vision remained intact. Manager Craig Counsell noted that Bregman “geared up” during the Cubs’ loss to the Miami Marlins on Tuesday and expressed hope that the swelling would continue to subside. The Cubs have kept him off the injured list, leaving open the possibility of a return before the postseason.
Impact on Cubs Playoff Position
The Cubs entered the final week of the regular season tied with the San Diego Padres for the National League wild-card lead, holding the tiebreaker and sitting one game ahead of the Philadelphia Phillies. A win against the Miami Marlins or a loss by the Arizona Diamondbacks would clinch a wild-card spot for Chicago. Bregman's absence contributed to recent losses to the Marlins, heightening the urgency of his potential return as the team approaches the decisive stretch.
Official Statements & Responses
Counsell said the injury was “pretty swollen” and that he initially feared a broken nose, but later clarified that the ball struck the face below the eye. He emphasized that Bregman is “in a good place” despite ongoing swelling and that the team will monitor his condition day-by-day. A roster decision will be made ahead of the upcoming series against the Marlins.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Pain's been fine, I guess I fractured something right by the nerve in my face,” — Alex Bregman
- “You never want to see that on the ball field. You can’t control any of that. It happened so fast,” — Michael Busch
Data & Statistics
- Bregman is batting .262 with a .352 on-base percentage and a .452 slugging percentage over 153 games in 2026, with 26 home runs and 32 doubles (team-leading).
- He is under a five-year, $175 million contract signed in January and has 102 career playoff games, including two World Series championships with the Houston Astros.
What’s Next
The Cubs open a three-game series against the Miami Marlins on Tuesday at Wrigley Field. Counsell indicated that Bregman's status will be reassessed before that game, with the possibility of a return if his swelling improves. The team’s playoff eligibility hinges on the outcome of that series and the performance of rival clubs in the final days of the regular season.
