Alex Bregman Suffers Multiple Facial Fractures but Hopes to Return for the Playoffs
Chicago Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman suffered multiple facial fractures after being struck by a foul ball while standing in the on-deck circle during Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Reds.
The frightening incident occurred on September 20, when a foul ball off the bat of Bregman's teammate Michael Busch struck him while he was waiting for his turn to hit. The unexpected accident left Bregman with significant swelling around his left eye.
According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, Bregman will not undergo surgery and is instead targeting a return for the postseason. The 2026 MLB playoffs are scheduled to begin on September 29, giving the veteran infielder a limited window to recover.
The injury is a significant setback for the Cubs, particularly because of the production Bregman has provided throughout the 2026 season. The third baseman has hit 26 home runs and accumulated 5.2 fWAR, establishing himself as an important part of Chicago's lineup.
Chicago is battling for a top National League Wild Card position, making Bregman's potential return especially important as the team prepares for October baseball.
For now, the Cubs will have to move forward without one of their key offensive contributors while Bregman focuses on his recovery. The fact that he will avoid surgery provides a potential path toward a postseason return, although his availability will depend on how quickly he recovers from the facial fractures and swelling.
Bregman's injury came in one of the most unexpected ways possible, but the Cubs star is already looking toward October and hoping to be back on the field when the postseason begins.
Alex Bregman suffered multiple facial fractures after being hit by a foul ball
— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) September 21, 2026
He will not undergo surgery and is hoping to return in the postseason, per @JeffPassan https://t.co/g7TbrGwlNc pic.twitter.com/mlzay5r7RS