Chicago Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman was transported to the hospital for medical evaluation after sustaining a direct hit to the face from a foul ball while positioned in front of the on-deck circle during Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Reds.
There was no immediate word on whether Bregman, who underwent X-rays and CT scans, would travel back to Chicago with the team following the Cubs’ 9-1 victory.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell provided details on the contact, stating that Bregman was struck in the left cheekbone, directly under the eye. “I don’t know anything more than that right now. He was bleeding from his nose a little. There’s some swelling. It’s a terrible, terrible accident. We hope he’s OK,” Counsell said.
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The incident occurred in the fourth inning when Michael Busch checked his swing and fouled off a pitch from Reds pitcher Luis Mey, which struck Bregman square in the face. Bregman immediately jogged toward the dugout, holding his hand over the left side of his face.
He was escorted down the dugout steps and into the clubhouse by a team trainer, with blood clearly visible on his face.
“It just happens so fast,” Busch said. “Luis is throwing the ball hard, and it comes off hard. 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.”
The incident is a major blow to a player who is currently batting .262 with 26 home runs and 89 RBIs, following a massive $175 million, five-year free-agent deal signed in January.
“You just hope your friend is OK,” Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong said. “That’s the news that I’m hoping for. But scary stuff. Such a rarity.”
Counsell mentioned that he has not yet begun to evaluate how a potential long-term absence for Bregman might affect the team’s postseason roster plans.
“You know, we’ve got to get good results from the hospital,” Counsell added. “He got hit in the face, so you’re worried just about his general wellbeing first. I want to get a good report first.”
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