# Alex Bregman Faces Injury Recovery > Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman aims quick return after facial injury. - Title: Alex Bregman Faces Injury Recovery · Chicago Sun-Times - Summary: 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… - Keywords: alex bregman, cubs, facial fracture, baseball, mlb, cubs third baseman, quick return, facial swelling, injury recovery, cubs game, news, local - Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/cubs/2026/09/23/cubs-alex-bregman-face-injury-return-matt-shaw-bunt-daniel-palencia-stats - Published: 2026-09-24T00:34:06.073+00:00 - Read time: 1 min - Topics: alex bregman, cubs, facial fracture, baseball, mlb, cubs third baseman, quick return, facial swelling, injury recovery, cubs game, news, local ## 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 ## Key takeaway Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman reports facial fractures but plans to return to game this weekend despite significant pain and swelling.