Kyle Tucker isn't playing like Kyle Tucker for the Chicago Cubs.
The Chicago Cubs own the NL's top Wild Card spot ahead of Monday night's bout with the Milwaukee Brewers, but they could've been even higher in the standings if their prized offseason acquisition had played better recently.
The Cubs acquired four-time All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros in December for infielder Isaac Paredes, pitcher Hayden Wesneski, and prospect Cam Smith. The former Silver Slugger started hot, slashing .323/.400/.742 in March, .287/.397/.485 in May, and .311/.404/.578 in June. However, he slashed just .218/.380/.295 in July and is at .160/.250/.160 thus far in August.
That's why Chicago manager Craig Counsell made a decision about Tucker's playing time after the first game of their doubleheader with the Brewers on Monday afternoon, via ESPN's Jesse Rogers.
"Sounds like Kyle Tucker is going to get multiple days off, per Craig Counsell," he reported. "He’s struggling mightily. He went 0-4 this afternoon and has a 57 percent ground ball rate this month. Time for a reset."
However, Cubs fans on social media aren't impressed with Counsell's choice.
Sounds like Kyle Tucker is going to get multiple days off, per Craig Counsell. He’s struggling mightily. He went 0-4 this afternoon and has a 57 percent ground ball rate this month. Time for a reset.
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) August 18, 2025
"Sure, don’t do it over the last 15 games or so when his slump was prevalent and starting, let’s wait until the biggest series of the season and after he’s fallen more and more," one said. "Craig is so bad. Highest paid for what?"
"He needs to go on the injured list," another said. "Not just a few days. A few weeks."
"Should’ve done this a month ago. Now it’s too late," another said. "Cubs mismanaging player injuries yet again!"
We waited until August 18th to do this?" another asked.
"It’s about time. The boos raining down on him doesn’t help him get better either, even when they’re deserved," another said.
A Lingering Injury Could Be Tanking Kyle Tucker's Performance
It didn't seem catastrophic when Tucker jammed his right ring finger sliding into second base on June 1. The veteran exited the game early and sat out on June 3 to let the finger rest, but testing showed no structural damage.
However, fans are speculating that Tucker has been playing through the ailment, thus ruining his production. Although the 28-year-old was hot in June, the injury could have flared up when his slump began in July. Players usually play as long as they're physically capable, but that doesn't mean they're at full strength.
Chicago is now nine games behind Milwaukee for first place in the NL Central after Monday afternoon's 7-0 loss.
Related: Cubs Named in Trade Report for $45 Million Pitcher
Related: Calls Mount for MLB to Make Changes After Cubs’ Loss to Phillies
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 18, 2025, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Category: Baseball
