Cubs’ Kyle Tucker exits victory due to finger injury

CHICAGO — The Chicago Cubs are taking a break on Monday as outfielder Kyle Tucker hopes for a swift recovery from an injury to his right ring finger. Tucker suffered the injury during an awkward slide in the Cubs’ 7-3 victory over Cincinnati, concluding their weekend series. He was subsequently replaced by Vidal Bruján in right field during the fifth inning.

Tucker downplayed the severity of the injury, saying, “I feel all right. Hand’s a little jammed, or a little swollen. Obviously, we got our off day tomorrow, so hopefully, it feels a little bit better when we get to Washington.” The outfielder also sported a cut on his nose following an attempt to steal second base early in the game, marking his first caught stealing in 17 efforts this season.

While Tucker was uncertain about the exact sequence of events, he speculated that his helmet might have struck his nose as his hand was positioned awkwardly beneath him. “It kind of felt weird. Was just hoping that it went away,” he explained. “Try to just grind through and grind through the at-bats and stuff. But it was kind of hurting. Just took a precautionary route of coming out of the game.”

Before exiting, Tucker contributed with a ground-rule double in the third inning and was driven home by Pete Crow-Armstrong’s single. He rounded out his participation by fouling out in the fourth, paving the way for Bruján’s entrance. Fortunately, X-rays on his finger revealed no fractures, and the Cubs are optimistic.

Manager Craig Counsell remarked, “I’m optimistic this is going to be at most a day or two. It’s just a sprained finger. … He took the second at-bat and just was a little uncomfortable. So with the lead, just got him out of there.” The Cubs are set to embark on a nine-game road trip starting Tuesday night in Washington.

Tucker, in his debut season with Chicago after being traded from Houston in December, has become a crucial asset for the team. His impressive record includes a 16-game on-base streak that dates back to mid-May. Currently holding a .284 batting average with 12 home runs, 39 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases, Tucker has been indispensable, featuring in each of the club’s initial 59 games.

“He’s gone out there a bunch. He’s been out there every day,” Counsell noted. “And he’s shown no signs of any fatigue.”