Chicago Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman will not be placed on the injured list after he took a foul ball to his face during Sunday’s game.
According to Cubs manager Craig Counsell, Bregman did indeed suffer multiple facial fractures after he was struck while preparing to bat in a game against the Cincinnati Reds.
Still, the gruesome injury won’t land Bregman on the injured list, and Counsell said there’s even a possibility the third baseman could return at some point before the regular season ends on Sunday.
Reporters at Wrigley Field said Bregman was watching pitches off of a machine during the pregame warmups on Tuesday, though he did not take any swings.
“All things considered, he’s in a good place,” he said.
In all likelihood, Bregman would be limited to designated hitting duty for the Cubs if he can make a return prior to the start of the postseason, since he could affix an extra flap to the front of his helmet.
Playing the field will likely be a different story however, with Pedro Ramirez and Matt Shaw figuring to get the bulk of the playing time at third base with Bregman on the shelf.
The Cubs will face the Miami Marlins at Wrigley Field on Tuesday night, and will have a chance to clinch a playoff spot if they can win the game. An Arizona Diamondbacks loss to the Colorado Rockies would also lock down a playoff spot for Chicago.
