Cubs’ Alex Bregman taken for X-rays and CT scans after foul ball strikes face

Chicago Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman was struck in the face by a foul ball while standing in front of the on-deck circle during Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Reds. He was taken to the hospital for X-rays and CT scans.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell said, "He got hit in the left cheekbone essentially, under the eye," and added, "I don’t know anything more than that right now. He was bleeding from his nose a little. There’s some swelling. It’s a terrible, terrible accident. We hope he’s OK." Bregman is batting .262 with 26 home runs and 89 RBIs after signing a $175m, five-year free-agent deal in January.

The impact occurred in the fourth inning when Michael Busch checked his swing and fouled off a pitch from Reds pitcher Luis Mey that struck Bregman. Bregman immediately jogged toward the Cubs’ dugout with his hand covering the left side of his face. Teammates and trainers reacted on the field as play paused.

A trainer escorted Bregman down the dugout steps and into the clubhouse, where blood was visible on his face. The Cubs went on to record a 9-1 win in the game.

Busch commented on the incident: "It just happens so fast," Busch said. "[Mey] is throwing the ball hard and it comes off hard. Any time it enters the head area, it’s always a scary thing. We try to focus on the game, but it’s tough. Hopefully he’s OK, first and foremost."

"You just hope your friend is OK," Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong said. "That’s the news that I’m hoping for. But scary stuff. Such a rarity."

Counsell said he has not considered how a potential long-term absence for Bregman could affect postseason roster plans. "You know, we’ve got to get good results from the hospital," Counsell said. "He got hit in the face [so] you’re worried just about his general wellbeing first. I want to get a good report first."

There was no immediate decision on whether Bregman would travel with the team back to Chicago after the Cubs’ 9-1 win. The club will await the results of the hospital tests before determining his next steps.