Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman left the field in the fourth inning after being struck in the face by a foul ball. Manager Craig Counsell said Bregman was hit in the left cheekbone, under the eye. He was bleeding from his nose and had visible swelling after the incident. Counsell called the event a terrible accident and said he did not know more details at that time.
Bregman was standing several feet in front of the on-deck circle when teammate Michael Busch fouled a ball toward him. Bregman was escorted by an athletic trainer down the dugout steps and into the clubhouse, according to ESPN. He dropped his bat and helmet, then jogged along the side of the dugout while clutching his face in pain, according to a report from Yahoo Sports. Busch also dropped his bat and squatted to the ground after the ball made contact. Busch later completed his at-bat with a single, while Bregman had already exited the game.
Before leaving, Bregman had contributed to the Cubs' early scoring with an RBI single and a walk. He later scored a run, helping the team build an early lead. MLB's game log shows Bregman drove in Pete Crow-Armstrong in the first inning and scored during Chicago's four-run third inning.
The Cubs went on to win the game 9-1 against the Reds. Matt Shaw pinch-hit for Bregman and remained in the game at second base. Pedro Ramírez shifted to third base.
Counsell said he was concerned about Bregman's general well-being after the injury. He added that the team hoped for good news from the hospital. Bregman was taken to a Cincinnati hospital for X-rays and a CT scan following the game.
Players expressed concern and support for Bregman following the incident. Pete Crow-Armstrong said he hoped Bregman was okay and called the situation scary. Crow-Armstrong said the team tried to stay focused on the game, but it was difficult.
The injury came at an important point in the season for Chicago. The Cubs improved to 87-69 with the victory and moved closer to securing a playoff spot.
Bregman later posted a photo on Instagram showing his swollen left eye and facial injuries. He thanked people for their messages and wrote that he would be back.
The broadcast did not initially show the moment of impact or its immediate aftermath. An alternate camera angle later showed the foul ball striking Bregman near his left eye.
The Cubs had Monday off before beginning their next series. The team had not immediately announced whether Bregman would miss additional games as it waited for results from his medical evaluation.