Overview

• Kyle Tucker jammed his right hand sliding into second on June 1 against the Reds, with initial X-rays negative before later imaging showed a small fracture near the ring–pinky junction.
• The Cubs did not announce the diagnosis at the time and Tucker chose to play through it without an injured list stint, with Craig Counsell now confirming the June finding and stating he is healthy.
• After a strong June, Tucker’s production has tailed off since July, including a .182/.333/.239 second-half line and a steep drop in hard contact and power.
• Counsell has held Tucker out for multiple games to reset his swing, Chicago has won recent games with Owen Caissie in right field, and Tucker could return as soon as Thursday’s finale versus Milwaukee.
• Team president Jed Hoyer said the injury affected Tucker’s performance, and the development comes as the four-time All-Star nears free agency with top-of-class expectations.