Owen Caissie Scratched in Iowa as Kyle Tucker’s Calf ‘Didn’t Really Make Progress’
There may not be any meat on this bone depending on what happens Saturday, but it’s possible we could see the Cubs place Kyle Tucker on the IL. The right fielder left Tuesday’s game early after experiencing tightness in his left calf, then sat out Wednesday’s loss to give it extra rest ahead of the off day. Tucker was out of the lineup again on Friday, after which Craig Counsell provided an update.
“He didn’t really make any progress with the day off,” Counsell told reporters. “He’s kind of in the same spot he was on Wednesday.”
That’s a bit less optimistic than what the manager had shared pregame, saying they were hopeful Tucker would be able to play this weekend. While that may still be true, Owen Caissie being scratched from the Iowa Cubs’ lineup Friday evening indicates that an IL stint is possible for Tucker. That would make the most sense if he’s still unable to go, as the Cubs have already played shorthanded for two games now.
We’ve seen that pattern play out more than once in the past, with the team playing down a man for several games before eventually opting for the IL. Given the timing, it would probably be best to ensure Tucker is ready to go for the postseason rather than pushing anything and drawing out his recovery or possibly making it worse. We should know more by Saturday afternoon.
Update: Caissie is indeed in Chicago, per Jesse Rogers.
Update 2: Tucker was working out on the field prior to the game and appeared to be moving well during running and change-of-direction drills.
“We think we have time to let this heal without putting him on the injured list,” Counsell said before the game.
Kyle Tucker works out on the field before Saturday’s Cubs-Nationals game. pic.twitter.com/YSapatnGVQ
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