Cubs star Alex Bregman hospitalized after taking brutal foul ball to the face

Chicago Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman left Sunday's 9-1 win over the Cincinnati Reds after being struck in the face by a foul ball while waiting in the on-deck circle.

During the top of the fourth inning at Great American Ball Park, teammate Michael Busch chopped a foul ball into the dirt near home plate. The ball jumped off the dirt and hit Bregman squarely on the left side of his face.

Bregman ran toward the visitors' dugout in visible pain while holding his face.

Medical staff escorted him to the clubhouse, and Matt Shaw entered the game to replace him at third base.

ORIOLES' CRAIG ALBERNAZ SAYS HE MUST EAT BABY FOOD FOR WEEKS AFTER FOUL BALL TO FACE LEADS TO 7 FRACTURES

Alex Bregman was forced to leave Sunday's game after taking a baseball to the face while in the on-deck circle. (Katie Stratman / Imagn Images)

Cubs teammates watch as Alex Bregman leave game with awful facial injury. (Katie Stratman)

Cubs manager Craig Counsell confirmed the ball hit Bregman directly on his left cheekbone, causing a laceration under his eye, a nosebleed and swelling.

Bregman was transported to a local Cincinnati hospital for CT scans and X-rays to check for orbital and cheek fractures.

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Bregman posted an update on his Instagram later on Sunday, showing his left eye swollen shut and his nose plugged, posting, "Thanks for the messages y'all. I'll be back."

Chicago Cubs lose star third baseman with MLB postseason around the corner. (Katie Stratman / Imagn Images)

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Medical staff reportedly cleared him to travel back to Chicago with the team Sunday night.

Any extended absence for Bregman would impact the Cubs during a tight National League Wild Card race with one week remaining in the regular season.

If Bregman lands on the injured list, the Cubs will rely on Shaw and Pedro Ramirez at third base.

It’s another scary reminder of how fast things go wrong on the field.

Last summer, Rays reliever Hunter Bigge was carted off after taking a 105 mph liner in the dugout, while Cleveland's David Fry suffered facial fractures bunting a fastball.

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Chicago has an off day Monday before hosting the Miami Marlins on Tuesday.

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Alejandro Avila is a longtime writer at OutKick, living in Southern California.