The Chicago Cubs were having a promising start to the season until experiencing a major setback due to injuries undermining their starting rotation. Just a day earlier, Chicago Cubs’ Shota Imanaga had plunged desperately for first base, only to leave the game with an apparent injury to his leg. Then, Kyle Tucker, while plunging for the stolen base in the ninth against the Milwaukee Brewers, found himself in discomfort in his right thigh. Fortunately, it didn’t look serious after Tucker opened up about his injury status.
While Shota Imanaga suffered a hamstring injury, leaving fans worried about the starting pitcher’s condition, Kyle Tucker’s injury was minimal in the 4-0 loss against the Brewers. But he still received some treatment, and hopefully, he will be on his feet again in the next game when the Cubs host the San Francisco Giants on Monday.
Whether Tucker can get back to the mound depends on his ability to rest and recover. But if you ask him? Baseball analyst Bruce Levine posted on X, “Cubs Kyle Tucker on stolen base slide in 9th. ‘ I fell awkwardly on my right thigh. It didn’t feel the greatest but I am alright.’ Tucker said they did some form of treatment after the game. ‘I am alright and I’ll be in the lineup tomorrow.’
Cubs Kyle Tucker on stolen base slide in 9th. ‘ I fell awkwardly on my right thigh. It didn’t feel the greatest but I am alright.’ Tucker said they did some form of treatment after the game. ‘I am alright and I’ll be in the lineup tomorrow’ he said.
— Bruce Levine (@MLBBruceLevine) May 4, 2025
Kyle Tucker will be under observation to ensure that he remains fit and fine. During the game on Sunday, Tucker went 2-for-3 while at bat and also took a walk. The 28-year-old right fielder has been batting impressively at an average of .292 and has posted nine home runs already with 30 RBIs, along with a .399 OBP and a .976 OPS.
But the dual setbacks may cause significant challenges for the Cubs. Their starting rotation was already an area of weakness this season, and with the injuries to players, it will only make things more complicated for the team.
However, amid all these, the Cubs face an uphill task to extend the contract of Kyle Tucker. And the Cubs president has given a strong reaction to it.
Cubs president has his say on the extension of Kyle Tucker’s contract
The acquisition of Kyle Tucker during the offseason has breathed new life into the team, bolstering the lineup with offensive prowess. But the main question is, will the Cubs sign Tucker to a new deal ahead of free agency? Well, Cubs’ president, Jed Hoyer, remains tight-lipped, especially after Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s $500 million contract extension by the Blue Jays, which makes Tucker’s contract expensive, too.
Putting any rumors and debates under the covers, Hoyer further said, “I think any conversations we have with him, we’ll keep internal. So, there’s no point in asking all the time, I guess. I know you will. But I just think, like I said, it’s a process.” This season is seeing Tucker replicating the same magic, just as he did in 2024, when he was on the right track for the MVP award, boasting a 4.7 bWAR across his 78 games. However, the last season was cut short due to injuries, and he missed the playoffs as well.
CM Connor Hawkins is, though, optimistic about him being on the team. As per Audacy, he was quoted as saying, “He’s a player you want to build around. He’s absolutely an elite hitter in this league and plays great defense as well.” Hawkins further said, “He’s carried our lineup – along with our catchers – over the last couple of weeks. We’ll expect to see that continue through the season. We’re just thrilled to have him on this club.”
We will have to wait a little longer to see what happens. Till then, stay tuned with us.
The post Kyle Tucker Reveals Injury Status After 9th Innings Scare Amid Shota Imanaga Blow as Cubs Fans Hold Their Breath appeared first on EssentiallySports.
