Alex Bregman Has Multiple Facial Fractures

Chicago Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman suffered multiple facial fractures after a foul ball struck him in the on-deck circle Sunday, ESPN's Jeff Passan reported Monday, and he will not undergo surgery while hoping to return in the postseason. Michael Busch checked a swing on a pitch from Cincinnati's Luis Mey and the ball hit Bregman on the left side of the face. Bregman left with blood visible and went for hospital testing after the game.

Bregman has 26 home runs with a .262/.352/.452 slash line and has been one of Chicago's steadiest bats down the stretch. Matt Shaw and Pedro Ramirez covered the infield after he exited the 9-1 win. Soft fantasy note only: bank the Passan fractures line and the no-surgery update. Do not invent a Wild Card return date from hope alone.

The Cubs entered Monday with a magic number of one for a National League wild-card berth and are off before the final week. Bregman posted that he would be back after returning to Chicago. October availability still sits with the medical staff.

October watch

Fractures confirmed. No surgery. Postseason hope stays alive.

Cubs still hunting a clinch. Bregman wants in.