The Chicago Cubs are 37-22 entering June 3 and are on top of the National League Central. However, the Cubs have a few key players injured.
Among them is pitcher Shota Imanaga, who was placed on IL in May and has not returned. The other is outfielder Kyle Tucker, who exited Sunday's game early and is out of the lineup on Tuesday.
Ahead of the Series against the Washington Nationals, Cubs manager Craig Counsell gave an update on both fronts, per Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell gave injury updates to reporters in Washington, D.C.: - Kyle Tucker (not in lineup) will "probably need another day or two". No plans for IL stint. - Shota Imanaga flew to Arizona and is expected to face live hitters this week.
So, Tucker is expected to be out at least one more day, but the good news is that he isn't expected to go on the IL. The offseason trade acquisition is hitting .284 with 12 home runs, 39 RBI and 44 runs scored, so he has been a key part of the team's success.
Imanaga is getting closer to a return, and facing live hitters signals it should be coming sooner rather than later. Imanaga is 3-2 on the season with a 2.82 ERA, but he last pitched on May 4 against the Milwaukee Brewers.
MORE MLB NEWS:
- Diamondbacks' Brandon Pfaadt threw a yes-hitter
- Dodgers' Hyeseong Kim played most well-rounded game in MLB history
- Dillon Dingler is the reason the Tigers are the best team in MLB
- Scottie Scheffler has as many wins as the Colorado Rockies since May 2