Bregman Returns to Batting Practice Days After Facial Fractures

The Cubs third baseman was tracking pitches Tuesday after suffering multiple facial fractures Sunday, while Bears QB Caleb Williams was listed as week-to-week.

Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman was spotted heading to the batting cages at Wrigley Field on Tuesday, just two days after suffering multiple facial fractures in his left cheek when he was struck by a foul ball in Cincinnati on Sunday. Rather than heading to the injured list, Bregman was tracking pitches on a Trajekt machine as he prepares for a possible return during the final week of the regular season.

Manager Craig Counsell said the session was about creating game-like conditions rather than facing live pitching. He added that Bregman seemed like himself around the clubhouse. Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said surgery would have ended any chance of a return, but Bregman avoided that outcome, calling his push to get back impressive.

The same day the Cubs could clinch a postseason berth with a win over Miami, the comeback was a major topic around the team. Pete Crow-Armstrong entered the night two stolen bases short of a 40-40 season.

Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, injured around the same time Sunday with a hamstring issue in a 9-3 loss to Minnesota, was described by coach Ben Johnson as week-to-week. Johnson declined to rule Williams out of Monday night's game against Philadelphia, saying the quarterback has historically returned faster than expected.

Williams has faced criticism on social media over his reaction to the injury, but Hoyer, a Bears fan, dismissed the idea that the quarterback is soft and noted there is no reason to rush back early in the NFL season.