Chicago Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker. © Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Cubs Announce Kyle Tucker News After Absence From Lineup

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | Last updated Jun 3, 2025 6:34 PM ET

Chicago Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker is in the final year of his contract. Acquired by Chicago from the Houston Astros this past offseason, Tucker has been among MLB's best hitters this season.

Entering Tuesday, the left-handed hitting slugger has a .918 OPS that ranks seventh in the National League. His 39 RBIs are tied with Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani for 13th in the NL, and his 44 runs scored are tied for fourth.

All of this is leading to a massive contract for Tucker in free agency if he can remain healthy and productive the rest of 2025.

In Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Reds, Tucker exited with what initially looked to be a face injury. Sliding awkwardly into second base, Tucker seemed to hit his face on the dirt. Shortly after his removal, the Cubs announced it was actually a jammed finger on Tucker's right hand that forced his removal.

As the Cubs begin a series with the Washington Nationals on Tuesday, Tucker is out of the lineup. This understandably caused concern among the fanbase, but the team announced via manager Craig Counsell that Tucker is not expected to need an injured list stint.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell gave injury updates to reporters in Washington, D.C.:

- Kyle Tucker (not in lineup) will "probably need another day or two". No plans for IL stint.

- Shota Imanaga flew to Arizona and is expected to face live hitters this week.
— Andy Martínez (@amartinez_11) June 3, 2025

This is great news for a Cubs team that enters Tuesday atop the National League Central division with a 37-22 record. The second place St. Louis Cardinals sit four games back of Chicago, giving the 2016 World Series champions a solid cushion as they await the return of Tucker, which Counsell said will be in another day or two.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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