Tucker Returns to Cubs Lineup After Missing Three Games

The Chicago Cubs welcomed back outfielder Kyle Tucker to their starting lineup on Thursday. His return, though, wasn’t enough to spark the offense in a 4-1 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers.

Tucker had missed three games and struggled at the plate again, which isn’t exactly what fans were hoping for. He’s dealing with a lingering hand injury, and as the Cubs push into the late-season stretch — and with Tucker inching closer to free agency — his performance is raising more than a few eyebrows.

Kyle Tucker’s Struggles Continue in Cubs’ Loss

Tucker batted second and played right field in the series finale. He went 0-for-4 with one walk against Milwaukee pitching.

His August numbers look rough — just .148 this month and only two extra-base hits in his last 24 games, both doubles. That lack of power stands in pretty stark contrast to his first half, when he looked like his usual self at the plate.

From Hot Start to Mid-Season Decline

Earlier in the 2024 season, Tucker was one of the most reliable bats in the Cubs’ lineup. Over his first 85 games, he slashed .290 with 17 home runs and 52 RBIs.

His blend of contact hitting and power made him a central figure in Chicago’s offense. Honestly, his consistency was a big reason the Cubs stayed in the NL Central race.

Since late June, though, Tucker’s production has nosedived. The extended slump has frustrated fans and team management, especially with the playoff chase heating up.

The Hidden Factor: Playing Through Injury

Manager Craig Counsell let it slip that Tucker’s had a small fracture in his right hand since June 1. The injury wasn’t considered severe enough to keep him out for long stretches, but it just won’t go away.

Hand injuries are notoriously tough for hitters. They mess with bat speed, grip strength, and follow-through — all the little things that can make or break an at-bat.

Tucker’s Perspective on the Injury

Tucker, for his part, has downplayed the injury’s impact. He told reporters he’s made some mechanical tweaks to work around the fracture and says he feels capable of playing at a high level.

Still, it’s hard to ignore the numbers. Even a minor fracture can mess with timing and sap power, no matter how positive a player tries to stay.

A Pivotal Season for Kyle Tucker’s Future

Tucker’s situation feels even bigger because of his contract status. He came over from the Houston Astros in a December trade, and he’ll be eligible for free agency after this season.

So, how he performs down the stretch could have a huge impact on his market value and what the future holds — whether that’s with the Cubs or someone else.

Cubs’ Front Office Dilemma

The Cubs find themselves in a tricky spot. Is Tucker’s early-season form the real him, or do the injuries and slumps make a big contract too risky?

With the club still in contention, they really need Tucker to find his swing again. Otherwise, that playoff push might fizzle out faster than anyone wants to admit.

What Needs to Change Down the Stretch

If the Cubs want to turn things around in these last few weeks, Tucker probably needs to tweak his approach at the plate. Maybe it’s time to lean more on contact and gap hitting until his power comes back.

Strategic rest days could also help. Giving that hand a break might keep him fresher for the games that really matter.

• Improve pitch selection to stop chasing breaking balls out of the zone.
• Focus on line-drive contact instead of always swinging for the fences while he’s still recovering.
• Lean on plate discipline to draw more walks and get on base for the heart of the lineup.
• Utilize rest and treatment to manage that stubborn soreness in his right hand.

The Cubs’ playoff hopes — and honestly, Tucker’s free-agent payday — might hinge on how fast he can break out of this slump. Chicago fans are definitely watching, hoping their new right fielder finds that All-Star form again.

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