The Chicago Cubs can clinch a playoff berth on Tuesday when they host the Miami Marlins to start a three-game series. However, there’s still a lot of uncertainty ahead for manager Craig Counsell’s team, including the health of a key slugger.
Alex Bregman posted a selfie on Instagram Monday morning, one day after taking a foul ball to the face while on deck in the fourth inning of the Cubs’ 9-1 win over the host Cincinnati Reds. Bregman’s left eye is blackened and swollen shut, with a laceration underneath. The Cubs’ third baseman, who sustained multiple facial fractures, told fans he was back in town after going to the hospital following the incident.
“It’s just an unfortunate accident and terrible, terrible accident,” Counsell said. “Hoping and praying he’s OK.”
ESPN reported Monday afternoon that Bregman will not need surgery and hopes to return for the postseason.
The 11-year veteran, who signed a five-year, $175 million contract with Chicago in the offseason, is hitting .262 through 153 games. Bregman ranks second on the team behind Pete Crow-Armstrong in home runs (26) and RBIs (89). Over his last 25 games, the 32-year-old batted .290 (27-for-93) with seven homers and 20 RBIs.
Even if the Cubs clinch on Tuesday, which can happen if they beat the Marlins or if the Arizona Diamondbacks lose to the Colorado Rockies, who and where they will play remains up in the air. Currently, they are tied with the San Diego Padres atop the National League wild-card standings, with the Philadelphia Phillies a game behind.
Kevin Gausman (9-12, 4.55 ERA) is expected to get the start Tuesday. A trade-deadline acquisition from Toronto, the 35-year-old righty is 4-2 with a 5.04 ERA in eight starts since joining the Cubs on Aug. 2. He’s fared well against the Marlins, going 4-2 with a 2.41 ERA in 10 games (nine starts). On May 27, he threw five innings against Miami, struck out five and allowed just a run on six hits and two walks in a no-decision.
Three weeks ago, the Marlins (76-80) were 2 1/2 games back for the final wild-card spot but then lost seven of their next eight to fall out of the race.
As they play out the final week, shortstop Otto Lopez will look to finish his All-Star season on a high note. He currently leads the majors in hits with 185 and ranks third in the NL with a .305 batting average.
Should Lopez get 15 hits this week, he would become the first player since Bobby Witt Jr. and former Marlins teammate Luis Arraez (2024) to get 200 hits in a season.
“All I’m thinking about is just finishing as strong as possible. If I can get to 200 or not, I’ll be just happy about how this year has been,” Lopez said. “I’m not expecting anything. Right now, all expectation is to go out every day and just get a win.”
Janson Junk (6-9, 4.50) seeks his first win against the Cubs. In three games (one start), he’s 0-1 with a 1.86 ERA across 9 2/3 innings. He allowed Chicago only a run on three hits and a walk over five innings on Sept. 4 but still came away with the loss as the Cubs won 6-1.
–Field Level Media
