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Go To Full MLB Digest
August 16, 2025
Cubs 3, Pirates 1: Kyle Tucker ignites the game-winning rally | Bleed Cubbie Blue
Al Yellon
Bleed Cubbie Blue
Cubs 3, Pirates 1: Kyle Tucker ignites the game-winning rally | Bleed Cubbie Blue

Kyle Tucker sparked a late Cubs rally with a leadoff single in the eighth, then Suzuki delivered an RBI single to break a scoreless tie, followed by Hoerner driving in another on a double. The Cubs hung on for a 3-1 win over Pittsburgh, fueled by seven efficient innings from Shōta Imanaga and a clean, clutch bullpen finish from Brad Keller.

Chicago moved to 13-2 in games following a win after a stretch of frustration, and they tightened their grip on the NL wild-card picture. Javier Assad is set to start Sunday as the Cubs look for the series victory, while Carmen Mlodzinski draws the Pirates again in the finale. The game featured a rare Tucker burst of emotion and a bullpen sequence that kept Pittsburgh at bay late.

From a fantasy lens, Imanaga’s seven innings behind a low-yrmpathn bullpen arms his stock as a streamer, while Tucker, Suzuki, and Hoerner each delivered run-producing actions that can translate into short-term value when the Cubs rally in big moments.

Based on this Cubs win and rally, who should fantasy managers prioritize for the next matchup?Is Shōta Imanaga a must-start in standard leagues after this seven-inning gem?How do the Cubs bullpen usage patterns affect closer value?What sleeper could explode in the weekend series vs Dodgers/Padres?
Mentions:
@Carmen Mlodzinski | Pittsburgh Pirates | MLB
@Carmen Mlodzinski | Pittsburgh Pirates | MLB
Chicago Cubs | MLB
Chicago Cubs | MLB
@Kyle Tucker | Chicago Cubs | MLB
@Kyle Tucker | Chicago Cubs | MLB
@Nico Hoerner | Chicago Cubs | MLB
@Nico Hoerner | Chicago Cubs | MLB
@Seiya Suzuki | Chicago Cubs | MLB
@Seiya Suzuki | Chicago Cubs | MLB
@Shōta Imanaga | Chicago Cubs | MLB
@Shōta Imanaga | Chicago Cubs | MLB
@Tommy Pham | Pittsburgh Pirates | MLB
@Tommy Pham | Pittsburgh Pirates | MLB

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