Alex Bregman taken for tests after foul ball hits his face during Cubs win

Alex Bregman was taken to a Cincinnati hospital for X-rays and a CT scan after a foul ball struck him in the face during the Cubs' 9-1 win over the Reds on Sunday. The Cubs had no immediate diagnosis after the game, leaving the third baseman's availability open while the club waits for the test results.

The incident came in the fourth inning at Great American Ball Park. Michael Busch checked his swing against Reds right-hander Luis Mey, and the ball struck Bregman's left cheekbone below the eye as he stood near the on-deck circle. He went directly toward the dugout. Matt Shaw replaced him, with Pedro Ramirez shifting to third base.

MLB's official video identifies the same Cubs-Reds injury event, and FOX Sports: MLB posted the immediate reaction on X. The footage supports what happened on the field, but it does not establish the injury's severity or a timetable.

Bregman went 1-for-1 with a walk, an RBI and a run before leaving. The Associated Press reported that he was batting .262 with 26 home runs and 89 RBIs after signing a five-year, $175 million contract in January. His role at third base makes the pending medical report significant for a Cubs team entering the final stretch.

Manager Craig Counsell said Bregman had a cut beneath his eye, bleeding from his nose and swelling. Counsell said the club's first concern was Bregman's well-being and that baseball decisions would wait for a good hospital report. Busch and Pete Crow-Armstrong also described the play as frightening.

Bregman posted that he would be back, according to MLB. That is encouraging, but it is not medical clearance. The Cubs' next roster decision should follow the imaging results or a team update; an injured-list placement or postseason lineup change cannot be stated from Sunday's information alone.