Overview

• Tucker is eligible to be activated on Sept. 16 after the retroactive IL move, and the Cubs recalled Moisés Ballesteros in a corresponding transaction.
• Manager Craig Counsell had indicated a day-to-day plan but said the IL became necessary when Tucker’s calf didn’t respond to more aggressive on-field work.
• Tucker said throwing and hitting feel normal, with discomfort occurring primarily during running, so he will pause running drills for several days.
• Chicago went 1-4 in the initial stretch without Tucker, scoring six total runs in the four losses as the offense sagged during his absence.
• The decision drew criticism over the timing, though the Cubs cited September roster expansion and MLB’s three-day backdating limit in managing the move.