Cubs make infuriating IL call on Kyle Tucker fans saw coming

In continuing the trend with the awkward way in which they handle position players and the IL, the Chicago Cubs announced on Tuesday that All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker has been placed on the 10-day IL as he continues to recover from his calf strain. After teasing that he was with the team in Atlanta, Moises Ballesteros has been recalled from Triple-A Iowa.

Tucker hasn't appeared in a game for the Cubs since last Tuesday's victory against the Atlanta Braves. Cubs' manager Craig Counsell initially told reporters that Tucker would be day-to-day, as the team seemingly went out of their way to avoid an IL decision.

Considering players have to agree to move, it's fair to wonder if Tucker was initially against the idea. Earlier this season, when the free-agent-to-be suffered a hairline fracture in his hand, an IL stint seemed logical, but it would appear that Tucker was against the idea at that time as well.

Kyle Tucker injury forces Cubs into long-overdue IL decision

For as great as Tucker's first half was, his tenure with the Cubs seems to be coming to an awkward end. Tucker's last two months have been defined by a slump that has seemingly cost him some money this offseason, and just when he appeared to be showing signs of life, the calf injury surfaced. Now, the Cubs' handling of injured positions extends beyond Tucker this season, but it feels like an issue that needs to be addressed.

As long as Jed Hoyer fails in his efforts to construct a bench that is sufficient for a National League contender, no explanation could justify the Cubs playing with a shorthanded roster. With top prospects such as Ballesteros and Owen Caissie providing a spark for a lifeless offense over the last several weeks, an IL stint for Tucker could have been an easy way for the Cubs to switch things up. Instead, Counsell was left with fruitless reasoning for why Tucker was injured and active, but not playing.

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