Alex Bregman was hit by a foul ball in the face while standing in the on-deck circle on Sunday against the Cincinnati Reds.
Next week, the Chicago Cubs will be playing postseason baseball, starting off with a best-of-three Wild Card Series. Bregman reportedly suffered multiple facial fractures, but will not undergo surgery. He hopes to return in the postseason, but his timeline for returning is unclear.
He shared images on social media that show significant swelling and bruising aorund his left eye, so it may take more than justa. week before he's ready to step back into the batter's box. If he's unable to go, the Cubs will need someone else to step up.
The Cubs' options at third base ar Pedro Ramírez and Matt Shaw. Shaw came in for Bregman after he exited the game on Sunday, and the Cubs moved Ramírez, who started the game at second base, to third base.
Dansby Swanson did not play in Sunday's game, but when he's in there, the Cubs will have to choose between Ramírez and Shaw to start at third base and will not need both to start.
The Cubs cannot really platoon Shaw and Ramírez. Ramírez is a switch hitter, but is much better from the right side. He and Shaw are both struggling against right-handed pitching this year. Overall, Ramírez has looked better at the plate, even though he has less experience. Right now, if the Cubs went into a postseason series without Bregman, Ramírez would likely be starting in the hot corner.