Cubs infielder needed major dental work after bizarre workout injury

Apr 15, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman Jonathan Villar in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Cubs infielder Jonathan Villar suffered one of the more bizarre injuries you’ll hear about during a workout.

Villar was working with an exercise band when it snapped back into his mouth, according to Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune. Villar required “significant dental work” as a result.

Villar was using an exercise band when it snapped back into his mouth, causing the injury and requiring the significant dental work. https://t.co/PubyWwl2K7

— Meghan Montemurro (@M_Montemurro) May 30, 2022

This sounds extremely painful, but is also extremely unique. There’s plenty of precedent for players losing teeth during games, but that’s usually the result of accidental collisions on high-effort plays. You don’t usually hear about it happening during a workout.

Villar, a ten-year veteran, has served in a utility infield role for the Cubs this season in his first year with the club. The 31-year-old has hit .239 with two home runs in 32 games.