Cubs right fielder Kyle Tucker played with a small fracture in his right hand earlier this season, manager Craig Counsell confirmed Wednesday, after a report by ESPN gave further insight into Tucker’s season.
‘‘Him at 80% is pretty dang good,’’ left fielder Ian Happ said in a conversation with the Sun-Times. ‘‘Having him and his presence in the lineup and what that means for us, he’s one of the best players in the world. And so him going out there and just being there, just having his quality at-bat every time, means a lot to this group.’’
At the beginning of June, Tucker jammed the ring finger on his right hand on an awkward slide. He left that game early and was out of the starting lineup for the next two but eased back in with a pinch-hit appearance.
Initial X-rays were negative, Counsell reiterated Wednesday. And regardless of the quick return, Tucker had a .982 OPS that month.
‘‘He was sore for a little while but was able to play,’’ Counsell said. ‘‘We did some more imaging, and it showed a small fracture that was healing.’’
Tucker has been in a slump since July. And though he has continued to get on base at a .325 clip, he has posted a .235 slugging percentage
‘‘Is it possible that this has, through the playing through it, changed some things?’’ Counsell said. ‘‘Yeah, absolutely. It’s likely that at some point that happened. But he wanted to play.’’
The Cubs have not done more recent imaging on Tucker’s hand, Counsell said, but they ‘‘absolutely’’ believe the fracture has healed.
‘‘It hasn’t been an issue,’’ Counsell said.
Tucker has been out for the last three games with the hope that a break from play could help him reset on offense.
‘‘I’m fine,’’ Tucker said when asked about his health Tuesday. ‘‘I’ve played, for the most part, every game this year. So I’m fine going out there.’’
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