Cubs to Keep Alex Bregman on Active Roster Despite Facial Fractures

Chicago's third baseman broke bones in his face when a foul ball struck him Sunday, but the team is avoiding an IL move as swelling subsides.

Alex Bregman will not be moved to the injured list even though the Chicago Cubs third baseman fractured multiple bones in his face, manager Craig Counsell told reporters Tuesday. The injury occurred Sunday in a game against the Cincinnati Reds when a foul ball struck his left cheek.

"All things considered, he's in a good place," Counsell said, noting that Bregman has shown encouraging energy. "He can't sit still. He's all over the room. Those are really good signs."

Before a return can be considered, swelling in Bregman's face and around his left eye needs to go down. Counsell indicated the club will monitor his progress in the coming days, though the season has not been ruled out for him.

The 32-year-old was hurt in the fourth inning Sunday while standing on the grass near the on-deck circle during a Michael Busch at-bat. The ball bounced off the dirt and caught him squarely on the cheek; a trainer escorted him off the field and he was later examined at a Cincinnati hospital, where imaging revealed the fractures. On Tuesday, he lifted weights and tracked pitches on a Trajekt machine.

Bregman has been one of Chicago's best performers since the All-Star break, batting .296 with a .378 on-base percentage, a .978 OPS, 17 doubles, 17 home runs and 48 RBIs. Defensively, he has posted career-best marks with 9 Outs Above Average and 15 Defensive Runs Saved.