Cubs' Alex Bregman Could Return This Season After Suffering Multiple Facial Fractures From Foul Ball

The man and the team have both shown complete determination and strength since the event, a testament to their will and power at the same time.

Table of Contents

1. What Happened to Alex Bregman

2. The Extent of the Injury

3. How Bregman Has Responded

4. Impact on the Cubs' Playoff Push

5. Return Timeline: What We Know

6. What This Means for Cubs Fans

7. Conclusion

What Happened to Alex Bregman

During the Chicago Cubs fixture against the Reds, the Cubs were displaying their power with a 9-1 domination that would've resulted in a comfortable win with Bregman waiting in the on-deck circle for his turn. His teammate Micheal Busch on strike, decided to take the Cincinnati right-hander Luis Mey for a spin and struck the pitch with a tight swing that quickly latched onto his bat before deflecting downwards and hit the dirt before deflecting onto Bregman, while leaving him no chance to react or dodge the strike. Struck from the strike, Bregman quickly dropped his bat and helmet and ran towards the dugout while holding the left side of his blood as blood began trickling down his skin. He was quickly helped to a towel by the Cub's training staff before being helped into the clubhouse. Cubs manager Craig Counsell while addressing the incident called it a genuinely awful accident while confirming that Bregman was struck in his left cheekbone, just under the eye and was experiencing some swelling in the area with occasional bleeding from the nose.

The Extent of the Injury

While the extent of the injury remained difficult to certain and reports continued flooding the internet, Bregman was confirmed to have reportedly suffered multiple fractures in the left side of his face. Bregman was quickly taken to a local hospital following the injury, and while evaluations continued, doctors ruled out the possibility of a concussion, a strong positive amidst the stress and strain that engulfed the situation. And amongst the most encouraging details, the complete diagnosis confirmed that a surgery wouldn't be necessary, a relief to fans and supporters around the world. While Facial Fractures often differ in terms of severity, the possibility and confirmation of avoiding the surgery table at its whole hinted towards a more straightforward recovery path as compared to the tedious process of needing surgical intervention and repair.

How Bregman Has Responded

Ever since the incident, if there's one thing that has strongly stood out amidst the larger picture is Bregman’s attitude. Instead of being off social media or disappearing and hiding his facial injuries, he instead chose to post photos to his Instagram that showed visible damage along with a swollen and discolored eye and cheek. And while the pictures weren't pleasant, they carried a subtle message assuring fans that he was bound to be back. And while it would not be easy for Bregman to return to the game with his current pain and the risk of another injury, his commitment and passion towards playing the game is sure to bring him to the pitch very soon.

Impact on the Cubs' Playoff Push

For the Chicago Cubs, Bregman’s injury arrived at a very sensitive period of time for their competitive campaign. The Chicago Cubs had entered the week with being on the top of the National League Wild Card standings but were tied on points with the Sam Diego Padres. It was more crucial than ever to have their best players on the roster, even if the player was a middle-order batsman and a third baseman especially for an indefinite period of time.

For the time being, the Cubs have relied on a combination of Matt Shaw, the man who held the Third base for a prolonged period of time prior to Bregman's arrival playing alongside Pedro Ramírez, who has bounced between the second and third spots based on roster requirements. And while neither player has managed to match the offensive threat and output that Bregman provided before his injury, the duo have served as quality stopgap replacements for the time being.

Return Timeline: What We Know

Ever since the injury, Bergman’s return has been much talked about and anticipated, especially amongst the Chicago Cubs fans and his current timeline tests on an optimistic and promising note. The Chicago Cubs, in a typical injury situation would've placed Bergman on the injured list, but the team has held off making that decision, providing fans with hopes of a prompt return. Counsell told reporters he expected Bregman to be fine and said the third baseman was already planning on playing again, a quick turnaround for a player who just days earlier, was rushed off field with blood running down his face in need of medical attention for multiple broken bones in his face. As things stand, Bergman could also possibly return as early as this week with the Cubs travelling to Boston, a city that was home to him in the previous season, for a three-game series against the Red Sox. For the Chicago Cubs, the handful of games remaining in the season and the sight of a wildcard spot being up for grabs presents a unique necessity and hope of Bergman to be ready at least for the postseason, if not sooner.

What This Means for Cubs Fans

Bergman’s injury might've brought upset, but there's no urgency that surrounds his return. Having recently penned a five-year deal worth $175 million with the cubs in January, Bergman has been an impressive standout across the campaign’s playoff contention pursuit and will surely be a firm contributor as soon as he's deemed fit for return. For Chicago Cub fans that have witnessed dozens of frustrating Septembers over the years, the optimistic note of Bergman’s return had provided relief to sore burns. A subtle but strong reminder that while initial diagnosis based estimated recovery periods are usually correct and necessary, a player's determination and commitment can shape this journey more than any medical aid or support around the world.

Conclusion

Baseball injuries, especially of such nature and gravity are rare, but not unusual and once they occur, they hold the power to cause severe disruption to the season, even if it's for a short period. Alex Bregman’s injury headlines haven't gained traction solely because of the injury, but also for how quickly it changed from concern to cautious optimism based on the player’s attitude and commitment. Facial injuries, fractures in specific are often intense and can sideline players for multiple weeks, yet with Bergman, the dates of his return had begun being discussed just days after. Now whether he's back on the field this weekend or awaits until October is unclear, but his determination and hunger to contribute in his team's campaign and title-challenge is as clear as it has ever been.