Cubs infielder Alex Bregman exits game after foul ball strikes him in the face

Chicago Cubs infielder Alex Bregman was removed from Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Reds after being hit in the face by a foul ball while swinging in the on-deck circle during the top of the fourth inning.

Bregman was struck in the left cheekbone, just below the eye, and began bleeding on the field. He was taken to a local hospital for evaluation, according to Cubs manager Craig Counsell, who described the area as “pretty swollen.” The infielder later posted photos of his injuries — including a black eye — on his Instagram story, and footage of the incident circulated widely on social media.

The Cubs have not announced a timetable for his return. Any recovery timeline could depend in part on whether the injury affects his vision, which would keep him from being cleared to play.

The incident interrupts what has been a strong first season in Chicago. Bregman has posted an .804 OPS with 26 home runs and 89 RBIs this season, and his bWAR ranks among his best since his peak years with Houston. His availability figures to be a factor in the Cubs’ push toward the postseason.

The play also drew rapid attention from sports media outlets. Fox’s Fox Corporation, whose MLB on Fox accounts shared the incident on social platforms, is among the broadcasters whose national MLB coverage amplified the story as it developed. Fox shares traded at $64.45 in Monday’s session, up 0.08% from the prior close of $64.40, with a market capitalization of roughly $26.8 billion.

What to watch

• Whether the Cubs issue an official injury diagnosis or timetable for Bregman’s return following hospital testing.
• Updates on Bregman’s status as the Cubs’ postseason roster decisions approach.
• Any lineup changes Chicago makes at third base in the interim.

Source: original release