Kyle Tucker: Hand fracture affected performance with the Cubs

Kyle Tucker Played with a Fractured Hand

Chicago Cubs right fielder Kyle Tucker revealed that he played with a fracture in his right hand during the month of June. Manager Craig Counsell confirmed the news on Wednesday night. According to Counsell, Tucker’s injury is completely healed.

He was sore for a while, but he was able to play. More tests were done and a small fracture that was healing was shown.

Craig Counsell

Despite the diagnosis, 28-year-old Tucker chose to continue playing, even accumulating a .982 OPS in June. The injury occurred while sliding into second base against the Cincinnati Reds on June 1. Initial X-rays were negative, but subsequent examinations revealed a small fracture in the upper part of his hand. Cubs’ president of baseball operations, Jed Hoyer, noted that the injury has affected Tucker’s performance. Since July, Tucker is batting .189 with only four extra-base hits, and his ground ball percentage this month is an alarming 54%. After an 0-4 game on Monday, Counsell decided to give Tucker a few days off. Tucker has avoided using the injury as an excuse.

I’m good. I’ve played, for the most part, all the games this year. I’m good going out there.

Kyle Tucker

Tucker had a good start to the season, with an OPS of .931 and 20 stolen bases in the first three months. He was selected for his fourth All-Star Game. Tucker’s rest time could help him recover for the rest of the season. “Initially, it was going to be two days [of rest],” Counsell said Wednesday afternoon. “We’ll see from there.”