Sophia
Chicago Cubs right fielder Kyle Tucker reportedly played through a significant injury earlier this season, opting against a stint on the injured list despite suffering a hairline fracture in his right hand in June.
The revelation, reported by ESPN’s Jesse Rogers, sheds light on Tucker’s recent struggles at the plate and his manager’s decision to give him time off. At the time of the injury, the Cubs were leading the NL Central, a factor that likely influenced Tucker’s decision to remain in the lineup.
The Injury: A June 1st Incident
According to Rogers, the injury occurred on June 1st when Tucker slid into second base during a game against the Cincinnati Reds. Initially, X-rays were negative, and the team believed he had a jammed finger. However, further imaging revealed a hairline fracture near the junction of his pinky and ring finger.
Despite the diagnosis, Tucker chose to continue playing, a decision that speaks volumes about his dedication to a team in playoff contention.
Impact on Performance: A Post-June Slump
Before the full extent of the injury was known, Tucker was in the midst of a strong stretch, posting an impressive .982 OPS in June. However, his performance has dipped significantly in the subsequent months, leading to speculation and frustration among fans and within the organization.
In July, Tucker’s batting average plummeted to .189, with just four extra-base hits. Rogers also noted a concerningly high ground-ball rate of 54 percent, suggesting a change in his swing mechanics or a reluctance to drive the ball due to discomfort.
Manager and Front Office Weigh In
Cubs manager Craig Counsell recently gave Tucker a few days off to “reset,” a decision that now makes more sense in light of the injury revelation. “We’re going to have to take a little step back here, for sure, and just give him some days off to reset him, hopefully, because he’s frustrated,” Counsell told reporters on Monday, with Tucker missing his third consecutive game on Wednesday.
Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer had previously hinted at the injury’s impact. “I know it did bother him for a while,” Hoyer stated earlier this month, as reported by MLB.com’s Jordan Bastian. “I don’t know whether it still bothers him, whether it created some bad habits along the way with compensating and things like that. There’s no question that when you look at his numbers, it’s had an impact on him, for sure. That’s the nature sometimes of these small injuries—they can do that.”
Playoff Implications and the Road Ahead
While the Milwaukee Brewers have surged to take the lead in the NL Central, the Cubs remain firmly in the wild card race, holding a five-game lead. Tucker’s ability to regain his form will be crucial as the team pushes for a postseason berth.
His time off is expected to allow him to physically and mentally recover, hopefully enabling him to contribute at his full potential in the critical weeks leading up to the playoffs. The Cubs will be counting on their star outfielder to shake off the lingering effects of his injury and help lead them deep into October.
