The Chicago Cubs are currently 44-28 and hold a five-and-a-half game lead over the Milwaukee Brewers for first place in the National League Central.
The Cubs wrapped up a four-game series with the Pittsburgh Pirates on Father’s Day with a walk-off win in the 10th inning, courtesy of Ian Happ.
Chicago took three of the four nail-biting fashion. However, star right fielder Kyle Tucker was noticeably absent in game four.
That’s because his right ring finger sprain that he suffered on a headfirst slide into second base on June 1 is still barking at him.
“It’s there. It’s not bad,” manager Craig Counsell said. “But this was a chance to try to get him two days without swinging a bat.”
Tucker did pinch hit in the 10th inning, but he was intentionally walked to set up a double play with first base open.
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Tucker has scuffled a bit in June, and it’s possible the finger sprain is a large factor in that. In 41 June at-bats, Tucker has one home run with four RBI while slashing .244/.380/.415.
Tucker has a great eye at the plate, usually resulting in more walks than strikeouts. This month, he has walked eight times but has struck out 13 times.
In game three of the series, Tucker was 2-for-4 with two strikeouts. Cubs fans aren’t accustomed to seeing Tucker strikeout, let alone twice in the same game.
As a whole, Tucker is having an All-Star caliber season but doesn’t have as many home runs as fans were hoping to see at this point.
Tucker, 28, has 13 home runs (tied-third with Dansby Swanson) and 43 RBI while slashing .277/.389/.515. He is also 18-for-19 in stolen base attempts this season.
He will be a free agent after this season.
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