Chicago Cubs News: Kyle Tucker injury update, Jameson Taillon, and Michael Soroka

Another Chicago Cubs' loss went by on Monday night, with the team losing 4-1 to the Atlanta Braves, and Kyle Tucker remained sidelined with a calf injury. Despite the fact that Tucker hasn't appeared in a game since last Tuesday, Craig Counsell remained adamant that the All-Star right fielder won't be headed to the IL.

“At this point, no,” Counsell said. “I think we’re making good progress. As long as we’re having days where we’re moving forward and getting closer — that’s what we’ve felt the last two days, especially — we’re in a good place.”

At this rate, despite Moises Ballesteros being in Atlanta, it does appear that the Cubs have missed the window to place Tucker on the IL. Counsell did suggest that Tucker was available to pinch hit on Monday, indicating that his return to the lineup should be imminent.

The issue is that the Cubs went a week with a shorthanded roster, and it speaks to a concerning organizational trend that has developed over the last several years. Instead of placing one of their core players on the IL, the Cubs opt to play a man down. Simply put, the Cubs don't have a roster that should ever make that decision.

Cubs News: Jameson Taillon comeback reshapes Cubs’ October pitching plans

Jameson Taillon will be the starting pitcher for the Cubs in their series finale against the Braves on Wednesday. With Ethan Robert recently being recalled in place of the injured Daniel Palencia, it would be a safe bet to assume that he will be the corresponding move once Taillon is activated from the IL.

In mapping out the Cubs' postseason rotation, it would seem that Taillon likely would be a Game 4 starter for the Cubs if they advance past the Wild Card round. Shota Imanaga, Cade Horton, and Matthew Boyd feel like a lock to be the three starters for the Cubs once the postseason starts.

Cubs News: Michael Soroka's return being counted on in the bullpen

As the Cubs navigate their options at the backend of their bullpen, Michael Soroka's return is being factored in. It's hard to imagine that once the Cubs reach the end of the season, the disappointment that currently surrounds the decision to trade for Soroka will shift, but there is a path for him to still provide an impact for the team's pitching staff.

Soroka was excellent out of the bullpen for the Chicago White Sox last season, and with Counsell's "out-getter" strategy taking center stage to close out the season, there remains a chance that the 28-year-old veteran can be a difference maker.

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