Cubs star Alex Bregman hospitalized after taking brutal foul ball to the face
The third baseman was sent for hospital tests after being hit near the eye during Chicago’s win over Cincinnati
A routine moment near the on-deck circle turned frightening for Alex Bregman on Sunday when a foul ball struck the Chicago Cubs third baseman directly in the face, leaving his left eye badly swollen and forcing him out of the game.
Bregman was standing several feet in front of the on-deck circle during Chicago’s 9-1 win over the Cincinnati Reds when teammate Michael Busch checked his swing and deflected the ball sharply toward him. The ball hit Bregman around the left eye.
He immediately dropped his bat and staggered backward while clutching his face, then made his way toward the Cubs dugout as trainers rushed to assist him.
Bregman was eventually taken to a Cincinnati-area hospital for X-rays and a CT scan. No official timetable for his return had been announced.
Bregman shares graphic photos
Bregman later gave fans a glimpse of the damage himself. He posted a photo on Instagram showing his left eye swollen shut, bruising around the area and dried blood near his nose.
“Thanks for all the messages yall,” Bregman wrote. “I’ll be back.”
Because of the medical testing in Cincinnati, Bregman didn't immediately travel home with the rest of the Cubs . He later posted another image after returning to Chicago, simply writing: “Back in Chicago.”
The swelling around his eye appeared even more pronounced in the second photo. The Cubs hadn't provided a detailed medical update on the extent of the injury, making it unclear whether Bregman will be available when Chicago opens its next series against the Miami Marlins .
Injury comes at crucial moment in Cubs’ playoff push
Any absence would be significant with the regular season nearly over.
Chicago entered the final week needing only one win or one Arizona Diamondbacks loss to secure a postseason berth, but playoff seeding remains unsettled.
The Cubs are battling near the top of the National League wild-card standings, with the San Diego Padres and Philadelphia Phillies also in the mix.
Bregman has become one of Chicago’s most important hitters after an uneven start to his first season with the club.
The 32-year-old signed a five-year, $175 million contract with the Cubs after spending 2025 with the Boston Red Sox . He has 26 home runs this season with a .262 batting average and .352 on-base percentage.
His production has surged dramatically in the second half. Bregman has posted an OPS around 1.000 over his last two months, while also providing elite defense at third base.
His postseason experience could matter even more once October begins. A two-time World Series champion, Bregman ranks among baseball’s most experienced active playoff performers.
Chicago now has to wait for the medical picture to become clearer. Bregman ’s message made his intentions obvious.
