Cubs News: Kyle Tucker injury, Brewers' streak, Tarik Skubal looming on Friday

The Chicago Cubs capitalized on their recent six-game homestand, taking five of six from the Colorado Rockies and Cincinnati Reds before gearing up for a nine-game road trip that features three in Washington, D.C., three in Detroit and a trio against the Phillies.

Cubs News: Kyle Tucker injury, Brewers' streak, Tarik Skubal looming on Friday

Kyle Tucker injury update offers optimism

X-rays were negative on the jammed right finger of outfielder Kyle Tucker and both he and manager Craig Counsell expressed optimism the three-time All-Star won't miss an extended period of time.

Timing was on the Cubs' side with a scheduled off-day Monday, which gave the swelling a day to come down before Tuesday's series opener against the Washington Nationals. That's not say Tucker is a lock to be in the starting lineup, but right now, there's not a lot of concern this will become a lingering problem.

“For me,” Tucker told MLB.com, “as long as I’m able to go out there and play, I’m going to go out there, play, do what I can and do it the best I can. I don’t like getting out of games or missing games or anything. I’m going to try to do everything I can to get out there and continue to play every game.”

Tucker ranks second on the team in bWAR, trailing only Pete Crow-Armstrong in that department. He has appeared in all 59 of the Cubs' games to this point - so it'll be all eyes on the lineup card Tuesday night in D.C.

Christian Yelich and the Brewers have the Cubs in their sights

After hitting a walk-off grand slam to cap a monster week, Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich netted National League Player of the Week honors. To celebrate, he kept things rolling on Monday night against with a solo shot - his 13th homer of the year - leading his team to its eighth-straight victory.

The Brewers have won the NL Central three of the last four seasons and have been a constant thorn in the side of the Cubs. A resurgent Yelich is a big piece for Milwaukee and, as well as Chicago has played this year, both the Brewers and Cardinals are staying within striking distance as we head into June.

Tigers move Tarik Skubal's start to Friday against the Cubs

Detroit Tigers' ace Tarik Skubal was set to pitch against the White Sox this week. Instead, manager AJ Hinch pushed the left-hander back to Friday's series opener against the Cubs at Comerica Park. The reigning AL Cy Young Award winner is a tough (but admittedly exciting) draw for Counsell's club - and the series, as a whole, gives us a look at two potential pennant contenders going head-to-head.

Skubal has picked up right where he left off in his dominant 2024 campaign, opening the year with a league-best 1.89 FIP, 0.793 WHIP and ridiculous 14.14 K/BB ratio. Walks aren't a thing against the left-hander and it'll be arguably the toughest test this high-powered Cubs offense has faced this season.