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Cubs Share Kyle Tucker Injury Update After $600 Million Contract Rumors

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jake Elman | Last updated Jun 16, 2025 11:30 AM ET

We imagine that in Kyle Tucker's ideal world, consecutive off days are never a good sign unless rain or the playoffs are involved.

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell clearly doesn't feel the same way, though that's not necessarily a bad thing. Counsell rested Tucker on Sunday, one day before a scheduled off day and two days before beginning a pivotal six-game homestand against the Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs.

Tucker sprained his right ring finger on June 1, and Counsell acknowledged his All-Star right fielder still isn't at 100%. Seiya Suzuki went 0-for-4 with an RBI as the right fielder on Saturday, while Justin Turner started at DH and went hitless in four at-bats.

Despite not starting, Tucker eventually rewarded his manager with a pinch-hit walk and stolen base in Sunday's 3-2, 10-inning victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Barring any setbacks, Tucker is expected to start against the Brewers on Tuesday night.

We'll see if resting Tucker proves to be the right call, as he's hitting just .244 with a home run, four RBI, and a 13-8 K-BB ratio in June. Tucker's .795 OPS is still considerably above the league average (.712), and the 44-28 Cubs maintain a 5 1/2-game lead over the Brewers.

It's nonetheless been another strong season for Tucker, who longtime MLB executive Jim Bowden recently suggested could earn a $600 million contract. Tucker entered Monday batting .277 with 13 home runs, 43 RBI, and a .893 OPS.

Tucker also has 18 stolen bases, giving him an outside chance at his first 30-30 campaign. No Cubs player has reached the 30-30 club since Sammy Sosa's 36-homer, 34-stolen base output in 1995.

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

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