Cubs’ Bregman sidelined by facial fractures after foul ball

MLB Cubs’ Bregman sidelined by facial fractures after foul ball

By Ben Gale

September 22, 2026 • 12:04 AM EDT

Updated 8 seconds ago

$Cubs’ Bregman sidelined by facial fractures after foul ball$

If you want a stark reminder of how unpredictable baseball can be, just look at what happened to the Cubs’ Alex Bregman. On Sunday, Bregman was standing in the on-deck circle during a game against the Reds when disaster struck. His teammate Michael Busch checked his swing and sent a foul ball screaming straight into Bregman’s face. Just like that, a routine moment turned into a medical emergency, and the Cubs’ infield anchor goes down right as the season’s stakes hit their peak.

According to Yahoo Sports, Bregman quickly jogged off the field with his hand pressed to the left side of his face and was sent to hospital for X-rays and a CT scan. The results: he’s got facial fractures, specifically around the left cheekbone and under the eye, but the good news is he won’t need surgery. The Cubs fully expect him to try and return for the postseason, but the exact timeline is up in the air.

If you’re betting on the Cubs’ playoff run or just want to know how this impacts the odds, here’s why it matters: Bregman is a core part of their lineup, hitting .262 with 26 homers and 89 RBIs, and he’s only months into a huge $175 million deal. Losing him, even for a handful of games, is a massive gut punch at a time when every at-bat could swing a season.

What changed for the Cubs and why it matters

Bregman suffered facial fractures after being struck by a foul ball in the on-deck circle.
He will not need surgery and is aiming to return for the postseason, but his absence is still uncertain as swelling and healing time are factors.
Bregman posted on Instagram with a swollen eye and blood on his cheek, assuring fans, “I’ll be back.”
Manager Craig Counsell called the play a “terrible, terrible accident” and expressed hope for Bregman’s quick recovery.
This comes deep in the season, with the Cubs eyeing a postseason push—making Bregman’s health crucial.

The human side, in the manager’s words

Here’s what stood out after the game. Cubs manager Craig Counsell didn’t mince words when describing the scene: “He got hit in the left cheekbone essentially, under the eye,” Counsell said. “He was bleeding from his nose a little. There’s some swelling. It’s a terrible, terrible accident. We hope he’s OK.”

Bregman himself struck a resilient note online, sharing a photo of his battered face and writing, “Thanks for all the messages yall. I’ll be back.” For anyone doubting his will, there’s no quit in this guy, even if the injury looks rough now.

How does this affect the Cubs and bettors?

Let’s call it straight. Bregman might avoid the surgeon, but you can’t rush facial fractures, especially this close to the playoffs. We could see him miss important games or need time to get his timing back at the plate. In betting terms, the Cubs suddenly look a bit less secure—even a small disruption can snowball in a high-stakes playoff race.

Teammate Michael Busch, who unintentionally set the injury in motion, summed up the unease in the dugout: “It just happens so fast,” he said. “Any time it enters the head area, it’s always a scary thing. We try to focus on the game, but it’s tough. Hopefully he’s OK, first and foremost.” For now, everyone around the club is crossing fingers that Bregman’s back at the hot corner when October rolls around.

Key takeaways for bettors

Bregman’s return is uncertain, so monitor Cubs lineup news closely.
Cubs’ offensive upside takes a real hit if he’s out or limited.
Big free-agent investments don’t insulate teams from bad luck—injuries happen at the worst times.
If you’re betting on Cubs futures, be prepared for odds movement if news gets worse or better this week.
Reds’ pitchers may benefit facing a weaker Cubs lineup while Bregman recovers.
This kind of incident can impact clubhouse morale in a close playoff race.
Facial fractures can cloud a player’s confidence or timing, even after the initial return.
Watch for last-minute updates right before postseason betting—Bregman’s status could swing market prices.

More coverage: MLB news coverage, MLB betting hub and MLB expert picks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alex Bregman, the Cubs’ third baseman, suffered facial fractures after being hit in the face by a foul ball while standing in the on-deck circle.

No, Bregman will not require surgery. He’s expected to recover without going under the knife, according to ESPN.

Bregman is targeting a return for the postseason, but his exact timeline is uncertain as he recovers from facial fractures.

Bregman is a key hitter in the lineup. His absence could impact the Cubs’ offense and playoff push, making his injury a big concern for bettors.

Michael Busch, Bregman’s teammate, checked his swing and fouled off a pitch from Reds pitcher Luis Mey. The ball hit Bregman, who was standing in the on-deck circle.

Bregman signed a five-year, $175 million free-agent deal in January. He’s batting .262 with 26 home runs and 89 RBIs this season.