Overview

• Tucker was out of the starting lineup for Friday’s opener against the Nationals to rest a left calf issue that surfaced earlier in the week.
• Counsell initially expressed hope for a weekend return, then told reporters the calf was “no better,” making Saturday’s check-in pivotal, per ESPN’s Jesse Rogers.
• The Cubs are weighing a designated-hitter role to limit risk if Tucker is used before he plays the field again.
• Chicago won Friday without Tucker, belting four home runs to overpower Washington and reinforce its offensive depth.
• Tucker left Tuesday’s game against the Braves with calf tightness after an 11-game surge that revived his season following a midyear slump tied to a now-healed hand fracture.