Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell is going to give struggling outfielder Kyle Tucker some time off to reset amid one of the worst stretches of his career.
Tucker entered the All-Star break hitting .280/.384/.499 with 17 home runs, 56 RBIs, and 22 steals. The 28-year-old has scuffled since however, posting a .182 average and .572 OPS.
“The fans are frustrated, Kyle’s frustrated, and it’s unfortunate,” Counsell said Monday, according to Marquee Sports Network.
“When you make outs, it doesn’t look great. He’s trying. It’s not clicking. We’re going to have to take a little step back here and just give him some days off to reset him hopefully.”
Tucker’s been particularly bad in August, slashing .148/.233/.148 with zero homers and 14 strikeouts in 15 games.
Cubs fans booed Tucker during the sixth inning of Sunday’s 4-3 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates when he didn’t run to first base after grounding out.
“He’s frustrated,” Counsell said. “We’re not coming up with solutions for him and he’s not coming up with solutions. Sometimes you have to take steps back to go forward again.”
Tucker was acquired from the Houston Astros for three players in December. He’s one of the top free agents available after the season.
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