Kyle Tucker, a standout player for the Chicago Cubs, has been grappling with a hairline fracture in his right hand since June. This injury occurred during a game against the Cincinnati Reds on June 1, when Tucker jammed his hand while diving for a stolen base. According to reports from Jesse Rogers of ESPN, Cubs manager Craig Counsell confirmed the injury but stated that Tucker is currently healthy.
Initially, x-rays showed no signs of a fracture. However, follow-up testing revealed a small fracture located at the top of Tucker's hand, specifically between his ring finger and pinky. Despite the diagnosis, the Cubs chose not to announce the injury at the time, allowing Tucker to continue playing without being placed on the injured list. The four-time All-Star opted to push through the pain, raising questions about whether this decision was wise.
Before the injury, Tucker was performing remarkably well, boasting an impressive batting line of .284/.395/.524 with 12 home runs across 269 plate appearances through June 1. However, following the incident, his performance took a noticeable dip. Since then, he has recorded a batting average of .236/.352/.368, even though he has maintained a similar number of plate appearances.
In the immediate aftermath of the injury, Tucker managed to hit .311 with five home runs in June, showcasing his resilience. However, he struggled significantly in July, hitting just .189/.325/.235 with only one home run over the last 38 games. Despite his struggles, Tucker's plate discipline remains intact; he has walked more often than he has struck out during this challenging period. Nevertheless, his power numbers have diminished dramatically.
As Tucker's performance falters, speculation regarding his health has intensified. Pat Murphy, the manager of the Milwaukee team currently facing the Cubs, suggested that Tucker might be playing through an injury. “I think Tucker’s hurt. I don’t have any information, but Tucker’s not the same,” Murphy commented on 670 The Score. In contrast, Tucker asserts that he feels physically fine. However, Cubs president of baseball operations, Jed Hoyer, acknowledged the impact of the injury on Tucker's performance, stating, “When you look at his numbers, it’s had an impact on him, for sure. That’s the nature sometimes of these small injuries.”
Recently, Manager Counsell has opted to keep Tucker out of the lineup for the past three games, including a doubleheader against the MLB-best Brewers. During this time, the Cubs have won all three games, thanks in part to Owen Caissie stepping up in right field. As the Cubs continue to vie for playoff positioning, they remain six games behind the Brewers in the NL Central but are comfortably placed in a Wild Card spot. This positioning allows the team some flexibility to provide Tucker with additional rest as needed.
As the Cubs aim for a deep playoff run, getting Tucker back to peak performance is crucial. The timing of this injury and subsequent slump is particularly challenging for him, as he approaches free agency in just a couple of months. As the top player in the upcoming free agent class, Tucker is expected to command a lucrative contract, potentially exceeding $400 million as he enters his age-29 season.
