From Chicago Sun-Times · · 1m 50s
Alex Bregman Faces Injury Recovery
Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman aims quick return after facial injury.
In brief
Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman aims quick return after facial injury. Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman reports facial fractures but plans to return to game this weekend despite significant pain and swelling. Originally reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
Alex Bregman's injury
Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman felt like he got hit by a baseball bat to the face after taking a foul ball to the face while standing on deck.
“I felt like I got hit by a baseball bat to the face, pretty much”
Facial fractures reported
Bregman has multiple facial fractures with numbness on the left side of his face due to nerve damage.
“I fractured something right by the nerve in my face, so the whole left side of my face has been a little bit numb”
Fluid in face
Bregman reported fluid in his face that moves with his head movements and causes bouncing sensations.
“There’s a lot of fluid in my face. If I move, the fluid moves. If I’m bouncing up and down, my face feels like it’s bouncing up and down”
Quick return goal
Bregman aims to return to the Cubs lineup this weekend despite significant pain and swelling.
“I hope [to play this weekend]”
Manager's caution
Manager Craig Counsell cautioned that Bregman needs to test his recovery before returning to play.
“We’ve got to take some steps here. I’m excited how he feels, and he’s excited. But he still needs to feel some things”
Bregman's determination
Bregman expressed determination to return to the game despite the physical challenges.
“I wanted to play. I hope [to play this weekend]. One step at a time”
Matt Shaw's bunt
Utility man Matt Shaw popped up a bunt attempt with two men on and nobody out in the 10th inning of an 8-2 loss.
“I know that I’m going to have a situation again where I’m going to have to put a bunt down”
Shaw's preparation
Shaw emphasized preparation for high-stakes bunt situations despite the game's outcome.
“These are the moments you prepare for. We all know what the stakes are”
Daniel Palencia's performance
Righty reliever Daniel Palencia hasn't allowed an earned run in seven straight appearances after returning from injury.
“Since allowing seven runs in his first five outings after a lengthy IL stint, righty reliever Daniel Palencia hasn’t allowed an earned run in seven straight appearances”
Bregman's recovery timeline
Bregman expects to feel the fractures more as swelling decreases but remains optimistic about a quick return.
“As soon as the swelling goes down, I’m sure I’ll feel the breaks a little bit more”
Bregman's injury impact
Bregman noted that if the injury had been a few centimeters higher, it could have been more severe.
“But all in all, I’m super lucky that it hit where it hit. A lot of gratitude, because if it was a few centimeters higher, it could have been detrimental”
Cubs' playoff situation
The Cubs face critical games in the regular season's final week with a potential quick return for Bregman.
“We’ve got to be careful, and we’ve got to go through the proper steps”
The big picture
Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman reports facial fractures but plans to return to game this weekend despite significant pain and swelling.
