Kyle Tucker's recent slump has Cubs management signaling a cautious reset. After a 0-for-4 showing in Game 1 of a doubleheader and a brutal August (.160 average this month with 53.7% ground balls), Tucker is slated for multi-day breaks to recalibrate his swing and timing. Jed Hoyer and Craig Counsell emphasized there are mechanical and mental factors at play, not simply effort, and the plan is to step back to step forward. Tucker’s power has waned since a strong early-season run, despite an overall solid .261/.821 OPS line entering August.

The club is acknowledging a blend of mechanical drift and a finger injury from June that may have influenced grip and swing integrity. Tucker denies lingering finger issues, but the track record of ground-ball inflation suggests adjustments behind the scenes are due. With Tucker headed for free agency after the season, the organization is balancing short-term results with long-term value, hoping a reset jump-starts a torrid stretch akin to his April hot spell. Meanwhile, Cade Horton exited early with a blister but expects to return, keeping Cubs’ rotation on track.