Chicago Cubs All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker departed for his hometown of Tampa, Fla., on Wednesday to seek additional treatment on his strained left calf, which isn’t responding to treatment.
The decision comes with the Cubs on the verge of clinching a National League playoff spot. The hope is that the Tampa-based physical therapy group, which Tucker has worked with in the past, can help identity why progress has been slow.
Tucker, 28, last played Sept. 2 and was placed on the injured list seven days later with the move retroactive to Sept. 6.
“We’re aligned with Kyle, and this is the best way for him to make some improvements,” Chicago manager Craig Counsell told reporters prior to Wednesday’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. “Unfortunately, we’ve plateaued and we weren’t making progress, and that’s frustrating for Kyle.”
Counsell said it is crucial that Tucker plays in some games before the end of the regular season. Chicago wraps up the season on Sept. 28 against the St. Louis Cardinals.
“We’re optimistic that he will play,” Counsell said. “But we are at the point where the calendar is starting to (turn). The days are running out. It’s important that he plays in regular-season games. Because if he (doesn’t), we’re talking about (missing almost a month).
“That’s why you’re willing to go to this extra step here to try something. I think it’s important that he plays next week, so we’re doing everything we can to make that happen.”
Tucker is batting .270 with 22 homers and 73 RBIs in 133 games this season, his first with the Cubs. He was an All-Star for the fourth time but has slowed down after a strong start.
Acquired from the Houston Astros in the offseason, Tucker had 17 homers and 52 RBIs when June concluded. He has since had five homers and 21 RBIs.
Tucker has a .274 career average with 147 homers and 490 RBIs in 766 games with the Houston Astros (2018-24) and Cubs.
