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By Drew VonScio
Contributing Sports Writer
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Kyle Tucker has served as the DH for the Chicago Cubs for every playoff game to this point as his left calf continues to heal.
While many had hoped Tucker would eventually return to the field, manager Craig Counsell provided an update on his status.
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“Tucker’s DH-ing,” Counsell told Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic. “It could change. Right now, I don’t see any reason for it to change.”
This comes as the Cubs have been trying to keep Tucker's bat in the lineup while not risking another trip to the injured list. Seiya Suzuki has been a big reason why Chicago hasn't had to push Tucker back into right field.
“He’s playing well, I think he feels good out there,” Counsell told Sharma. “I think he knows this is his job now.”
Versatility shows up even more when the playoffs roll around, and the Cubs are seeing the benefit of it. Tucker's ability to continue to bat makes Chicago more of a threat to score runs.
It makes sense not to try and rush Tucker back into things. Even if he doesn't re-sign with the organization, and injury would only hurt his value in free agency, and a manager would never risk the long-term health or the chance to sign a big multi-year deal like he is projected to sign.
The Cubs will likely continue to believe in Suzuki's outfield ability for the remainder of the postseason. If the Cubs continue to advance, they will change the lineup less frequently or not at all.
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