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Cubs 3B Alex Bregman sent to hospital for tests after being hit in face by foul ball while on deck

PUBLISHED Sep 20, 2026, 5:43 PM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 32

Center 94%

Right 6%

Sources: 32

Chicago Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman was hospitalized for evaluation after being struck in the face by a foul ball in the on-deck circle during a game against the Cincinnati Reds. The incident occurred in the fourth inning when teammate Michael Busch hit a sharp foul liner off relief pitcher Luis Mey that caught Bregman near his left eye and cheek. After being treated for a cut and a bloody nose, Bregman was escorted to the clubhouse and sent to a local hospital for imaging to check for facial fractures, leaving Matt Shaw to replace him in the lineup as the team awaits updates on his condition. The Cubs ultimately won the game 9-1, while manager Craig Counsell and teammates expressed immediate concern for his well-being. The veteran infielder entered the matchup batting .262 with 26 home runs and 89 RBIs in his first season with Chicago.

By Ayesha A. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

On September 20, 2026, Alex Bregman was struck in the face by a foul ball.
On September 20, 2026, medical staff treated Alex Bregman for facial cuts and nosebleeds.
On September 20, 2026, Alex Bregman walked under his own power into the clubhouse.
On September 20, 2026, Matt Shaw replaced Alex Bregman in the Cubs lineup.
On September 20, 2026, Craig Counsell addressed media regarding the sudden on-deck accident.
On September 20, 2026, Alex Bregman was transported to a local hospital for scans.
On September 20, 2026, Chicago defeated Cincinnati with a final score of nine to one.
On September 21, 2026, medical evaluation results regarding facial fractures remained pending team updates.
On September 21, 2026, baseball analysts weighed potential roster implications for the upcoming postseason.
In coming weeks, Chicago management will monitor recovery timelines ahead of playoff games.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Chicago Cubs lose key infielder unexpectedly during crucial playoff push.
Possible long-term US impact: Potential postseason absence could significantly alter Chicago playoff lineup depth.
Most affected groups: Chicago Cubs fans, teammates, coaching staff, and fantasy baseball managers.
Reader priority: Official team medical bulletins, injury reports, and verified manager statements.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 32
Right Leaning:: 2
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 30

Explain Framing

Left: Highlighted player safety concerns and the sheer unpredictability of accidents. Center: Emphasized factual reporting of the injury, medical evaluations, and game events. Right: Focused on the dramatic impact of the injury on the team.