Chicago Cubs bench Kyle Tucker in their lineup, initiating a supposed 'reset' phase
Kyle Tucker Takes a Break for Mental Reset
Kyle Tucker, the four-time All-Star outfielder, is taking a break from the Chicago Cubs' lineup for a mental reset. The decision comes after a prolonged slump that began following a hairline fracture in Tucker's right hand, diagnosed in June.
Despite the injury, Tucker chose to continue playing without going on the injured list, hoping to avoid missing time. However, his batting performance suffered from July onwards, likely due to the injury and resulting altered mechanics.
Manager Craig Counsell indicated that Tucker was initially given two days off starting mid-August and that Tucker was expected to return during the Cubs' upcoming west coast trip. As of August 21, Tucker had missed at least three consecutive games as part of his attempt to reset and regain form.
The Cubs currently have a 70-54 record, nine games behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the division. Despite Tucker's struggles, the team is still in line for one of the three NL wild-card spots.
In Tucker's absence, Ian Happ has taken over as the Cubs' regular No. 2 hitter in the lineup. Happ doubled in his first at-bat out of the two hole on Tuesday. Owen Caissie, who made his major league debut on Thursday, replaced Tucker in right field for Game 1 on Tuesday and batted sixth.
Caissie made an immediate impact, collecting his first career hit on Monday and adding a two-run single in his first at-bat on Tuesday, marking the first time in nine games the Chicago Cubs had scored in the first inning.
The second game of the doubleheader was postponed to Tuesday due to inclement weather. The Cubs' offense has slumped, but their pitching staff continues to deliver.
Tucker, who was acquired by the Cubs in December, previously led the team to a 54-36 record on July 6 and a four-game lead in the National League Central. Since the All-Star break, Tucker's batting average has dropped to .182 with one home run and six RBIs in 26 games.
The decision to rest Tucker is intended to give him a mental "reset" amid second-half struggles. Prior to the second half, Tucker had a .280 batting average, with 17 home runs and 56 RBIs over 95 games.
Tucker, who is a 2022 Gold Glove and 2023 Silver Slugger Award winner, has a career .272 batting average with 143 home runs and 479 RBIs in 754 games for the Houston Astros (2018-24) and Cubs.
The Cubs hope that this break will help Tucker regain his form and rejoin the team soon. Fans will be eagerly awaiting his return to the lineup.
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