Chicago Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman sustained a serious facial injury on Sunday when a foul ball struck him whilst waiting in the on-deck circle during the fourth inning against the Cincinnati Reds. Michael Busch had chopped a foul ball that bounced off the dirt and hit Bregman squarely on the left side of his face. The injury is particularly significant for the Cubs, as the team is engaged in a tight National League Wild Card race with just one week remaining in the regular season, and Bregman's potential absence could impact their playoff prospects.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell confirmed the ball struck Bregman's left cheekbone directly, causing a laceration beneath his eye, a nosebleed and significant swelling. He was transported to a Cincinnati hospital for CT scans and X-rays to rule out orbital and cheek fractures. Bregman posted an update on social media that evening, showing his left eye swollen shut, and indicated his intention to return. Medical staff cleared him to travel back to Chicago with the team, though if he lands on the injured list, the Cubs would rely on Matt Shaw and Pedro Ramirez at third base.