Craig Counsell provides more good Alex Bregman injury news

Chicago Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Cubs' Craig Counsell provides more good Alex Bregman injury news amid tight NL wild-card race

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Sep 22, 2026 8:54 PM ET

Chicago Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman is recovering quickly after a scary injury.

Bregman suffered multiple facial fractures after a foul ball off the bat of first baseman Michael Busch hit him while he was standing in the on-deck circle during Chicago's 9-1 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday. Luckily for the Cubs, the injury won't require surgery. Even better for Chicago, he could return to the lineup soon.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell provides Alex Bregman update

Counsell spoke with the media Tuesday before the Cubs faced the Miami Marlins in the first of their three-game homestand. The skipper said Bregman is in a "good place" and they're not placing him on the injured list. Counsell added Bregman may return for the final week of the regular season. (Entering Tuesday, the National League Central squad had six games remaining.)

Cubs president Jed Hoyer, meanwhile, exercised more caution when discussing Bregman's status. The executive said he wants to see how the third baseman responds to increased activity before reinserting him into the lineup. Taking a close look at Bregman's face explains why Hoyer remains ultracareful.

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

Jed Hoyer Addresses the Alex Bregman Injury and Next Steps pic.twitter.com/nA3GDTeukj
— CHGO Cubs (@CHGO_Cubs) September 22, 2026

Bregman arrived at Wrigley Field before the Cubs played the Marlins. His left eye was still bruised and his face swollen, but he's in better shape than he was on Sunday. Shortly after suffering the injury, the infielder shared a selfie on his Instagram story. His eye was swollen shut and his face bloodied.

Expect Bregman to put plenty of ice packs on his face over the next few days as he aims to return promptly. When he does, the three-time All-Star could be an instant difference-maker for a Cubs team hoping to make noise in the postseason. Chicago (87-69) can no longer win the division after the Milwaukee Brewers (98-58) clinched it, but it could secure one of three NL wild-card seeds. The team is in a chaotic race with the San Diego Padres (87-69), Philadelphia Phillies (86-70) and Arizona Diamondbacks (82-74). (All records were entering Tuesday.)

Assuming the Cubs grab one of those spots, Bregman, a proven postseason performer, should then deliver in October. The two-time World Series champion slashed .239/.349/.442 on 380 postseason at-bats in his first eight seasons with the Houston Astros and Boston Red Sox.

Bregman could produce more postseason magic after slashing .262/.352/.452 on his first 600 at-bats for the Cubs this season. If he does, Chicago will be even more thrilled that his injury was less severe than initially anticipated.

Clark Dalton

Clark Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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