Cubs activate Kyle Tucker in move that solves big playoff roster debate

After a month of strange updates on Kyle Tucker's calf injury, the Chicago Cubs activated the All-Star outfielder from the IL on Friday and optioned veteran first baseman Carlos Santana to the Arizona Complex League. Tucker is in the Cubs' starting lineup for their game against the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday and will serve as the team's designated hitter.

Tucker's return to the lineup will mark his first game since September 2, when the Cubs originally described his calf injury as day-to-day. The diagnosis ultimately shifted to Tucker missing a majority of the final month of the regular season, and last week, Tucker left the team to seek treatment outside of the organization.

Cubs’ playoff roster just got clearer with Kyle Tucker activation

While Tucker is offensively ready to contribute to the Cubs' playoff effort, it remains to be seen if he will return to the field. In speaking with reporters earlier this week, Tucker seemed to confirm that his initial return will see him playing at less than 100% strength. That could mean that once the playoffs start, Tucker will serve as the team's designated hitter with Seiya Suzuki being forced to play right field. Not the exact scenario the Cubs had drawn up at the start of the season.

Tucker's return also confirms one playoff roster decision for the Cubs. After signing with the Cubs at the start of September, there was speculation that Carlos Santana could take Justin Turner's roster spot in the playoffs. In theory, the Cubs would still have been allowed to keep Turner in the clubhouse for his veteran experience, while Santana would have been a better offensive option.

Instead, Santana struggled upon his arrival to the Cubs' roster. Before being optioned on Friday, Santana only had 2 hits in 19 plate appearances with the Cubs. Santana has accepted an assignment to the Cubs' Arizona Complex and has maintained eligibility for the team's playoff roster. Santana is expected to be a part of the Cubs' taxi squad in October.

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