Overview

• Manager Craig Counsell said the goal is for Kyle Tucker to be in the lineup Friday against the Cardinals as the designated hitter, with his activation still dependent on day-to-day progress.
• Tucker rejoined the team at Wrigley after visiting his long-time physical therapy group in Tampa and has resumed running and basepath work, though sprinting continues to trigger symptoms.
• Counsell indicated Tucker will be asked to keep his in-game effort to roughly 80–90% on the bases, and the club believes a short ramp-up could help him regain confidence.
• A Friday return would provide Tucker three regular-season games to collect at-bats before the Cubs’ Wild Card series opens on Tuesday.
• Chicago reinstated reliever Daniel Palencia from the 15-day IL, and rookie right-hander Cade Horton underwent an MRI after experiencing back/rib-cage tightness, with his postseason role to be determined by the results.