Overview
- Manager Craig Counsell said it is unlikely Kyle Tucker will be activated from the IL on his first eligible date Tuesday.
- Tucker has a left calf strain and is biking, hitting and throwing, but running continues to trigger symptoms and stall his progression.
- Reporting indicates the Cubs could push his comeback toward late September or align it with postseason readiness rather than rushing him back.
- Tucker, acquired from the Astros in the offseason, has been a key contributor this year (.270 average, 22 home runs, .854 OPS) despite a second-half dip.
- In a separate update, reliever Daniel Palencia played a diagnostic catch and is trending toward his Sept. 23 return window.