Cubs Star Alex Bregman Hospitalized After Foul Ball Strike

During the top of the fourth inning in a 9‑1 win over the Cincinnati Reds, Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman was struck in the face by a foul ball that had been chopped by teammate Michael Busch. The ball jumped off the dirt near home plate and hit Bregman squarely on the left side of his face. He ran to the visitors’ dugout in visible pain, and medical staff escorted him to the clubhouse. Bregman was transported to a Cincinnati hospital for CT scans and X‑rays to rule out orbital and cheek fractures. He posted a photo on Instagram showing a swollen left eye and a blocked nose, promising a return. Team doctors cleared him to travel back to Chicago with the squad Sunday night. With the National League Wild‑Card race tight and only one week left in the regular season, Bregman’s absence could force the Cubs to rely on Matt Shaw and Pedro Ramirez at third base.