Cubs’ Bregman won’t go on injured list despite multiple facial fractures

Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman sustained multiple facial fractures after getting hit on his left cheek by a foul ball during Sunday’s game against the Reds. But the Cubs won’t be putting him on the injured list, manager Craig Counsell said Tuesday.

Bregman is not ruled out for the regular season. He still has significant swelling in his face and around his left eye that must improve.

“But all things considered, he’s in a good place,” Counsell said. “So we’re going to just have to progress over the next couple days and see where that takes us.

“I mean, he’s completely himself. He can’t sit still. He’s all over the room. Those are really good signs.”

Counsell said Bregman worked out in the weight room Tuesday and tracked pitches off the Trajekt machine.

Bregman was standing on the grass near the on-deck circle during Michael Busch’s at-bat in the fourth inning Sunday when a foul ball caromed off the dirt and struck him flush on his cheek. Bregman immediately dropped his bat and grabbed his face as he was ushered into the clubhouse by a Cubs trainer. He was taken to a local hospital in Cincinnati to undergo X-rays and CT scans, which revealed the facial fractures.

This is another blow for a Cubs team that has dealt with untimely injuries this year. And it’s reminiscent of this time last season when right-hander Cade Horton sustained a right rib fracture days before the start of the playoffs. He was unable to return before the Cubs were eliminated in the National League Division Series.

Bregman, 32, has been on a tear in the second half. Since the All-Star break, Bregman is hitting .296 with a .378 on-base percentage and .978 OPS with 17 doubles, 17 home runs and 48 RBIs. He’s provided Gold Glove Award-caliber defense at third base, including career highs in Outs Above Average (9) and Defensive Runs Saved (15).