Alexander David Bregman rejoins the Cubs
Alexander David Bregman returned to the Chicago Cubs lineup on Friday, September 25, 2026, five days after sustaining multiple facial fractures against Cincinnati. He resumed play at Boston’s Fenway Park.
The 32-year-old third baseman missed three games while doctors evaluated his recovery. Chicago was preparing for the National League postseason, which began on September 29 with the Wild Card Series.
Michael Busch’s foul reaches Bregman
Michael Busch checked his swing against Reds reliever Luis Mey on September 20. A 97 mph fastball produced the foul ball during the fourth inning at Great American Ball Park.
The baseball bounced off the dirt before reaching Bregman, who was waiting in the on-deck circle. With two outs, Matt Shaw replaced him as Chicago went on to win 9-1.
Alex Bregman undergoes hospital scans
Doctors examined Bregman at a Cincinnati hospital on September 20. Medical staff ordered X-rays and a CT scan to assess injuries around his left cheek and eye following the incident.
Specialists later identified multiple fractures in his cheek area and determined surgery was unnecessary. Bregman showed no concussion symptoms, and doctors reported normal vision after medical examinations and follow-up testing.
Cubs keep Bregman off injured list
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell announced on September 22 that Bregman would avoid the injured list. The medical staff planned further evaluation as the third baseman gradually increased his activity.
Pedro RamÃrez started at third base against the Miami Marlins on September 22 while Bregman sat out. Matt Shaw was an option, and Chicago did not need an injured-list replacement.
Bregman begins pitch tracking at Wrigley
Bregman resumed workouts at Wrigley Field on September 22, beginning with strength training and batting cage activity. He tracked high-speed simulated pitches from a Trajekt machine without swinging at them.
By Wednesday, the veteran advanced from pitch tracking to batting practice. Chicago’s coaches used the workouts to check his response before considering a game appearance during the final regular-season week.
Counsell rejects Bregman’s request to play
Bregman asked to take an at-bat against Miami on September 23, but Counsell declined. The manager wanted him to complete running drills before returning to league competition at Wrigley Field.
During Tuesday’s 12-inning loss to the Marlins, Bregman also requested a pinch-hit opportunity. Speaking Wednesday afternoon, he reported numbness along his left cheek as the facial swelling continued to subside.
Cubs clinch berth without Bregman
Chicago clinched a playoff berth September 24 by defeating Miami 2-1 at Wrigley Field. Nico Hoerner broke the tie with a sixth-inning single in the Cubs’ final regular-season home game.
Bregman completed running drills before that contest but remained out of the lineup. During the clubhouse celebration, he stood near his locker behind plastic sheeting to avoid contact with teammates.
Bregman faces former team in Boston
The Cubs batted Bregman third during the September 25 doubleheader opener against the Boston Red Sox. He served as designated hitter while Matt Shaw started at third base that afternoon.
Bregman spent the 2025 season with the Red Sox before joining Chicago. Former teammate Roman Anthony said he was surprised when the infielder told him he would play Friday’s game.
Bregman wears helmet with added guard
Bregman returned wearing a helmet with an extended left earflap. The guard covered his injured cheek as he resumed batting against Boston during the September 25 game at Fenway Park.
During the September 27 game against Boston, he changed helmets after reaching base. The second version had longer flaps on both sides, which Bregman later compared to a football helmet.
Bregman goes hitless in first game back
Bregman finished 0-for-4 with one strikeout during Chicago’s September 25 opener at Fenway Park. He put three balls in play, but Boston won the afternoon contest by a 4-3 score.
Facing left-hander Alec Gamboa in the first inning, Bregman lined out to right fielder Wilyer Abreu. He later said his face felt fine, although his swing remained out of rhythm.
Fun fact: Bregman wore No. 30 because MLB teams passed on him in 2012, No. 2 for his draft position, and No. 3 for a hoped-for third championship.
Major League Baseball moves Cubs finale
Major League Baseball moved the Cubs’ regular-season finale against Boston to Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, on Sunday, September 27. A nor’easter threatened New England after strong Friday winds.
Late Saturday, Bregman reviewed video of his batting stance with Cubs development staff member Ben Martin. They identified a posture problem that had affected his swings during Friday’s opening game.
Bregman finishes season with two homers
On September 27, Bregman homered against Tanner Houck in his first two plate appearances. He finished 4-for-4 with four RBIs, three runs and a walk as Chicago defeated Boston 6-2.
Bregman’s first homer traveled 417 feet. He closed the regular season with 28 home runs, 93 RBIs, a .265 batting average and an .819 OPS in 155 games for Chicago.
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Padres end Cubs postseason in two games
San Diego swept Chicago in the National League Wild Card Series on September 29 and 30. The Padres won 8-0 and 4-1 at Petco Park, ending the Cubs’ postseason run.
Bregman and Pete Crow-Armstrong combined for no hits in 15 at-bats, with eight strikeouts against San Diego. Chicago finished the regular season 89-73 and led MLB with 850 runs scored.
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Alex Bregman returned just five days after suffering facial fractures, then finished the season with two home runs. Which part of his comeback surprised you most? Let us know and share your thoughts in the comments below!
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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