Cubs’ Alex Bregman won’t land on IL, could return before playoffs after being struck in the face by foul ball

Chicago Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman is doing well and going to avoid a stint on the Injured List after a scary moment when he was hit in the face by a foul ball on Sunday.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Tuesday that Bregman is in a good place, and that he could even return to the field for them as soon as this weekend before the end of the regular season. For now, they’re just taking things day by day.

“I think Alex is going to be fine,” Counsell said, via ESPN’s Jesse Rogers. “He’s planning on playing.”

Bregman was standing in the on-deck circle during Sunday’s win over the Cincinnati Reds when first baseman Michael Busch hit a foul ball that ended up drilling Bregman in the face. Bregman dropped his bat and helmet and was clearly in obvious pain before doubling over. His face was bleeding, and he ended up walking into the clubhouse and leaving the game early.

Bregman was in good spirits after the game, but shared some pretty horrific photos of himself on social media. 

Bregman sustained multiple facial fractures, but did not need surgery. His face, while not completely healed, even looked significantly better when he arrived at Wrigley Field on Tuesday.

Bregman currently holds a .262 batting average with 89 RBI and 26 home runs this season. The 32-year-old even had an RBI single against the Reds before he left the game on Sunday.

The Cubs will enter Tuesday’s series with the Miami Marlins, their final one at home before the end of the regular season, with an 87-69 record. The Milwaukee Brewers have already secured the NL Central title, but the Cubs are just a single win away from clinching a second straight playoff appearance.

Even though Bregman may not be needed to finalize their postseason berth, his scary incident on Sunday isn’t going to keep him sidelined for much longer.