Kyle Tucker Sends Message After Removal From Cubs Lineup

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Aug 6, 2025 3:46 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs are in a competitive race for first place with the MLB’s best team record-wise, the Milwaukee Brewers, and currently sit four games back despite holding a 65–48 record. With little room for error, the Cubs have dropped two straight games to the Cincinnati Reds, scoring just three total runs in those contests.

The offense has struggled since the All-Star break, most notably left-handed slugger Kyle Tucker, who’s in his first season with the Cubs following an offseason blockbuster trade.

Tucker has disappointed over his first five games in August, striking out eight times in 18 at-bats with just three hits. His numbers were trending down in July as well, when he hit just .218 with a .675 OPS and one home run.

Cubs Remove Kyle Tucker From Lineup After Slow Start to August

Ahead of Wednesday’s series finale against the Reds, Cubs manager Craig Counsell decided to remove Tucker from his everyday role in right field and from the lineup.

“I feel fine. I don’t really know, mechanically, what potentially could be the issue,” Tucker said via Zoe Grossman of Marquee Sports Network. “I feel like I’m still swinging at pitches I want and taking ones I don’t want to swing at. Pitches over the plate, I just end up fouling off, or might swing and miss at times. Then I just end up getting worse counts.”

Counsell confirmed that he has full confidence in his superstar and that Tucker’s absence is solely based on his recent struggles. “He has very high expectations of himself, and when he doesn’t meet them, he’s frustrated,” Counsell said. “It’s nothing physical. I’m super confident that he’s going to get it back going and he’s going to have a great last 50 games.

Despite Slump, Tucker Still Producing in Contract Year

Tucker’s arrival in Chicago came after the Astros parted ways with him to retain value, as they did not plan to offer a long-term contract. Tucker will enter unrestricted free agency this offseason, making it imperative for him to have a strong year to earn a lucrative deal—whether it’s from the Cubs or another organization.

Despite the recent slump, Tucker has delivered in his eighth major-league season. Over 111 games, he’s batting .271 with an .859 OPS, 18 home runs, and 23 stolen bases.

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

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