WASHINGTON — The Chicago Cubs begin a grueling June stretch without slugger Kyle Tucker.
Tucker was not in the lineup for Tuesday’s series opener at Nationals Park, sidelined after jamming his right ring finger Sunday. He exited in the fifth inning following an awkward head-first slide into second base on a steal attempt in the first inning and hurt his finger in the process. X-rays were negative.
Tucker is still experiencing soreness and swelling in his finger, though manager Craig Counsell said the Cubs’ right fielder was feeling better Tuesday compared to Monday’s off day. Counsell estimated Tucker will need another day or two out of the lineup but noted it won’t require him to go on the injured list.
“It was pretty sore (Monday) so that was kind of our indication that today was not going to be likely,” Counsell explained. “So we’re trying to give it as much time without banging on it right now.”
Tucker had not attempted to swing a bat at the time of Counsell’s update Tuesday afternoon before batting practice. Most of the swelling is located in Tucker’s hand and continues into the middle finger, in addition to the ring finger he jammed. Beyond being able to hold his bat as needed, Tucker felt discomfort when throwing the ball Sunday, too.
With the Nationals starting left-hander MacKenzie Gore on Wednesday, it would be a natural spot to give the lefty-hitting Tucker extra time to fully recover. Seiya Suzuki shifted in the lineup from designated hitter to right field with Tucker out.
