Cubs facing NLDS headaches as Kyle Tucker injury limits lineup flexibility

Things haven't been straightforward between Kyle Tucker and the Chicago Cubs for the last three months, as it seems that Tucker and the team have had conflicting thoughts on how to handle the two injuries that derailed the second half of his season. Tucker returned to the Cubs' lineup for the weekend of the regular season and has served as the team's designated hitter since then. As the Cubs' offense struggles to find consistency in the playoffs, Tucker being relegated to the DH role may be impacting their creativity.

After the Cubs were embarrassed in Game 1 of the NLDS against the Milwaukee Brewers, Craig Counsell was asked if there was a possibility of Tucker returning to right field before the end of the series. At least from Counsell's response, it doesn't sound like the Cubs have put much thought into the idea.

“Tucker’s DH-ing,” Counsell said. “It could change. Right now, I don’t see any reason for it to change.”

DH-only Kyle Tucker causing quiet Cubs lineup issue in pivotal NLDS moments

The biggest reason why it's an issue for the Cubs is that it is keeping rookie Mosies Ballesteros on the bench. Entering Monday's Game 2 against the Brewers, Tucker has a wRC+ of 40 during the playoffs, Ian Happ is at 38, and Seiya Suzuki is at 95. If Tucker were capable of playing the outfield, then there could be a strong case for the Cubs to roll out a lineup that has Suzuki in left field, Tucker in right field, and Ballesteros serving as the team's designated hitter.

During the final weeks of the regular season, it was clear that Ballesteros could be an x-factor on the Cubs' playoff roster. During his final 46 plate appearances of the regular season, Ballesteros had a wRC+ of 177 with 2 home runs while hitting over .300. Despite the hot streak he was on as the Cubs headed into the playoffs, he has been limited to just two plate appearances ahead of Monday's game.

Desperate times could lead to desperate measures for the Cubs, and perhaps, that is how Ballesteros finds himself in the lineup. Though by then, the damage may already be done.