Terrifying Alex Bregman photos paint bleak picture for his NL Wild Card availability

The Chicago Cubs should clinch a playoff spot within the next day or two, but they suddenly are in a position where they could be without Alex Bregman for, at least, the National League Wild Card Series.

Bregman took a foul ball to the face while standing in the on deck circle during Sunday's victory over the Cincinnati Reds, and he immediately exited the game. Bregman was hospitalized for testing, and considering the Cubs are off on Monday, official word on his diagnosis may not be available until Tuesday.

Bregman took to his Instagram to post an initial photo of the injury, and the fear is that the veteran third baseman is dealing with a fracture to his cheek bone. Bregman was hospitalized, but returned to Chicago on Monday morning. He posted another photo, and again, the indication is that Bregman's status for the start of the playoffs is now in question.

Considering that likelihood that Bregman will be unable to play this week, it seems that an IL stint will be revealed on Tuesday. The move can be backdated, and with the 10-day diagnosis, that would make Bregman eligible to be reinstated during the middle of next week's Wild Card Series.

Alex Bregman's status for the NL Wild Card series is an early blow to the Cubs' playoff outlook

In the immediate aftermath, Craig Counsell confirmed that the left cheekbone was the concern for the Cubs. Of course, this was before Bregman had imaging done.

“It’s the left cheekbone, essentially, under the eye,” Counsell told reporters. “I don’t know anything more than that right now. He had a cut under his eye. He was bleeding from his nose a little bit. He’s pretty swollen.”

It's small, but the silver lining for the Cubs is that Dansby Swanson returned from injury over the weekend. That does allow Counsell to play the matchup game with Matt Shaw and Pedro Ramirez at third base during the final week of the regular season, and into the playoffs.

Assuming Bregman is placed on the IL on Tuesday, the Cubs have two clear options to take his roster spot. BJ Murray Jr. was optioned to make room for Swanson on Friday, and he could find his way back to Wrigley Field. Otherwise, James Triantos, who had a brief run in the majors earlier this season, could be another option to replace Bregman on the roster.

Regardless, the larger point is that Bregman may not be available for the Cubs at the start of the playoffs.

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