Alex Bregman was back in the Cubs’ lineup Friday, batting third and starting at third base in Game 1 of Chicago’s doubleheader against the Red Sox at Fenway Park.
It was a welcome sight after a frightening moment in Cincinnati on Sunday, when Bregman was hit on the left side of his face by a foul ball off Michael Busch’s bat. He was taken to a local hospital for examination and later met with multiple specialists.
Quick facts
- Bregman started at third base and hit third for the Cubs in the first game of Friday’s doubleheader at Boston.
- He was struck in the face by a Busch foul ball on Sunday in Cincinnati.
- Doctors determined that surgery was not needed.
- Bregman has no vision problems and no concussion symptoms.
- Since the All-Star break, he has posted a .978 OPS across 59 games.
The medical update was about as encouraging as Chicago could have hoped for. Bregman avoided surgery, and there were no reported concerns involving his eyesight or a concussion.
His return also puts one of the Cubs’ hottest bats back in the middle of the order. After a sluggish opening stretch, Bregman has been among the game’s most productive hitters in the second half, carrying a .978 OPS since the break.
Chicago has gotten more than offense from him, too. Bregman’s work at third base has remained at a Gold Glove level, giving the Cubs a steady presence on both sides of the ball as they opened a long Friday at Fenway.
