New Kyle Tucker injury update is nightmare fuel for Cubs fans

The Chicago Cubs are closing in on officially clinching a playoff spot for the first time since 2020 - and the first time in a full season since 2018 - but instead of an excited buzz, the vibe, at least with a big chunk of the fanbase, is one of tepid optimism.

The Cubs hold the third-best record in the National League, trailing only the Milwaukee Brewers and Philadelphia Phillies - giving them top billing in the NL Wild Card picture with a dozen games to play. But the big focus right now is on the status of All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker who, despite being eligible to return from the IL on Tuesday, will not be activated.

“It hasn’t gone as quickly as I would have hoped,” Tucker said on Monday. “I’m just going to try to keep getting after it.”

Progress has been slow as Kyle Tucker works his way back from the IL

Manager Craig Counsell said Tucker hasn't made 'much progress' in his recovery from the calf injury that has kept him out of the Cubs' lineup since 9/2. Chicago stalled placing him on the injured list, believing he could bounce back without an IL stint, only to have that decision backfire when he experienced symptoms again last week.

He looked to be back on track in the stretch leading up to the injury, putting up numbers in line with his monster first-half, as opposed to his struggle-filled summer. Since Aug. 22, Tucker carried a 1.289 OPS - boosted by four homers and 11 RBI in as many games.

Tucker downplayed the notion that he'd need an extensive number of reps to be game-ready once he returns from the IL, which makes sense given the one thing that's still giving him issues is running. He's been able to throw and hit without any issue, so hopefully that minimizes any timing issues once he's back.

There's no doubt. The Cubs need Tucker healthy and acting as the driving force behind the offense if they have any chance of making noise in October. Pete Crow-Armstrong snapped his home run drought on Monday night, so fingers crossed both guys will be locked in as the postseason gets underway in a couple of weeks.