Cubs Face Third Base Decision as Bregman Recovers From Facial Fractures

Alex Bregman suffered multiple facial fractures when struck by a foul ball, and his availability for the Wild Card Series is uncertain.

Chicago Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman was struck in the face by a foul ball while in the on-deck circle during Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Reds. He reportedly sustained multiple facial fractures but will not require surgery.

Bregman has expressed hope that he can return at some point in the postseason, though no timeline has been established. Images he posted on social media showed considerable swelling and bruising around his left eye, suggesting a return within a week may be unrealistic.

The Cubs open a best-of-three Wild Card Series next week. If Bregman is unavailable, Pedro Ramírez and Matt Shaw are the internal options at third base. Shaw replaced Bregman on Sunday, with Ramírez shifting from second base to third.

Ramírez, a switch hitter who performs better from the right side, has generally looked stronger at the plate than Shaw despite less experience, though both have struggled against right-handed pitching this season. With Dansby Swanson back in the lineup, the Cubs would start only one of the two, and Ramírez currently appears the likelier choice at the hot corner.