Cubs’ Kyle Tucker Returns After Hand Injury—Impact on Lineup

By Oliver Wiener August 24, 2025 08:57

Kyle Tucker’s recent return to the Chicago Cubs’ lineup after sidelining himself for three games is a pivotal moment for both the player and the team as they navigate a crucial stretch of the 2025 season. The All-Star outfielder had been grappling with a hairline fracture in his right hand that dated back to early June, an injury he chose to play through, unveiling a complex layer behind his recent slump.

Tucker revealed the injury's toll in candid terms during a recent interview. “I didn’t really try and change my mechanics or anything,” he said. “It might’ve gradually happened over time I don’t know. I was just kind of playing with it. I was doing fine for a while and, obviously, after a while it kind of turned.” Despite the hand injury, Tucker posted an impressive June slash line of .311/.404/.578 with a 173 wRC+, signaling elite performance even while injured. The subsequent months, however, saw his numbers dip significantly, with a July batting line of .218 and a wRC+ slipping to 106, followed by a further drop in August.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell explained the team's decision to keep the injury under wraps, noting that many players choose to persevere through such setbacks. “There’s lots of things that aren’t disclosed when players are playing,” Counsell said. He also speculated that the injury may have indirectly affected Tucker’s swing mechanics and overall performance, although the exact impact remains unclear: “We don’t know. We're kind of guessing there. It’s reasonable to speculate.”

Tucker himself acknowledged the complexity of playing through pain. “I was pretty much past it,” he said upon his return. “It’s fine. I’ve been playing the whole time anyways. I’m feeling good. I’m all right.” His decision to sit out for a few games was described by Counsell as a reset, intended to help the All-Star refocus and regain his form psychologically and physically.

Milwaukee Brewers’ sweep of the Cubs earlier in the week added further pressure on Tucker's return, as Chicago looks to regain momentum in the highly competitive National League Central. Tucker's presence in the lineup is critical; prior to his injury, he was a major offensive catalyst, and his defensive skills in right field add valuable depth.

Statistically, Tucker remains one of the Cubs' most potent bats despite the slump. He holds a 131 wRC+ for the season alongside 4 WAR, marking his fifth consecutive season of elite-level production and reaffirming his status as a foundational player for the franchise.

The Cubs are banking on Tucker to sustain his health and recapture his early-season dominance to help propel the team into playoff contention. As he approaches free agency this coming offseason, a strong finish could cement his value in the market among the most coveted position players.

In a lineup that has seen fluctuations and challenges, Tucker’s return represents a beacon of hope. The Cubs, with the aid of other emerging talents like Pete Crow-Armstrong, are looking to reverse recent setbacks and harness their offensive potential. As Tucker aptly put it, “At any point throughout the year, you’re probably one swing away from turning things around.” His swing’s comeback could very well ignite the Cubs’ stampede toward October baseball.