Time is winding down in the 2025 MLB regular season, and the Chicago Cubs sit 5.5 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers for the division lead in the National League Central. The Cubs will take on the Washington Nationals this weekend in a series they have to win.
It's a three-game set at Wrigley Field, but on Friday, before the first game, the Cubs made a major announcement regarding their star slugger, Kyle Tucker.
Kyle Tucker is dealing with a Calf injury
Per ESPN's Jesse Rogers, Kyle Tucker won't start Friday's game due to a calf injury. Manager Craig Counsell indicated that the team is hopeful he will be back in the lineup at some point this weekend, but it may be at DH instead of right field.
Kyle Tucker is set to be one of the biggest free agents following the season, and you have to wonder if some of these lingering injuries + underperformance through the middle-later part of the season is costing him millions on his contract. And for the Cubs, who are in the middle of a tight Wild Card and Pennant race, they can't afford to miss out on Tucker's production for that long.
It's already been reported that he was dealing with a hairline fracture about a month ago, but now, after that was addressed, a calf injury pops up.
If Tucker misses any more games this weekend, there could be an Injured List stint in the coming days, but Cubs fans will hold their breath during this most important time of the season.
In 133 games this season, Tucker is hitting .270 with 22 home runs and an OPS of .854. Still having an incredible year, but his OPS was .931 towards the end of June.
It is a story to keep watch for, as Tucker is a vital piece to Chicago's offense.