The Chicago Cubs are beginning a series at home against the Miami Marlins on Tuesday night with just six games remaining in the regular season.
One of the key storylines for the Cubs over the last 24-48 hours has been veteran infielder Alex Bregman, who left Sunday’s game after a scary injury when he fouled a ball off his face, leading to multiple facial fractures. However, his season doesn’t seem to be over, according to Cubs manager Craig Counsell.
Counsell Gives Important Update on Bregman
Speaking to the media before Tuesday’s game, Counsell revealed that the Cubs do not plan on putting Bregman on the IL. As of right now, Bregman plans on playing despite the fractures to his right cheekbone.
Obviously, the swelling will have to go down a bit, along with some other precautionary measures, but Counsell didn’t rule out a return as early as this weekend for the final series of the regular season.
“I think Alex is going to be fine,” Counsell said Tuesday. “He’s planning on playing.”
“All things considered, we feel like he’s really lucky,” he added. “He had a tremendous amount of bad luck, obviously, just getting hit. But he’s got multiple fractures in his left cheek area. None of them are to the point where the doctors deem surgery necessary or needed. So he really is at a point where he can just progress as tolerated.
“He still has significant swelling in his face and his eye that needs to improve. But all things considered, he’s in a good place.”
Craig Counsell announced that Alex Bregman will not be placed on the injured list. pic.twitter.com/3aoA8f6RWs
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) September 22, 2026
Bregman’s 2026 Season
In his 11th MLB season and first year with the Cubs, Bregman has appeared in 153 games and, across 600 at-bats, has recorded 89 runs, 157 hits, 26 home runs, and 89 RBIs while hitting .262 with a .452 slugging percentage and a .804 OPS.
He’s been one of the Cubs’ most important players and also has more postseason experience than anybody on the roster.
Chicago Cubs Manager Announces Alex Bregman Update After Gruesome Injury