Cubs' Manager says Kyle Tucker Was Playing Through Hairline Fracture in Hand

Not only have the Chicago Cubs quieted the hottest team in Major League Baseball, but they've won three straight over the Milwaukee Brewers without star outfielder Kyle Tucker. 

Tucker started in the series opener on Monday, going 0-for-4 at the plate, which was his sixth game out of the last seven without recording a hit. Manager Craig Counsell then benched Tucker in a move that was originally reported to help him "reset from his slump". But, following the Cubs' game on Wednesday, it's now been reported that, after receiving imaging, the Cubs learned Tucker is dealing with a hairline fracture in his right hand. 

It's an injury that he suffered in June, and has been playing through since until he sat on Monday. It may also offer an explanation for his recent struggles. 

"He was sore for a little while, but was able to play," Counsell said on Wednesday. "We did some more imaging, and it showed a small fracture that was healing. Is it possible that playing through it has changed some things? Yeah, absolutely."

"He wanted to play," Counsell added. 

A timeline for Tucker's return has yet to be announced, but Counsell mentioned the fracture has healed by this point, and "hasn't been an issue." Until more clarity on Tucker's timeline to return surfaces, the Cubs will have to continue digging for performances like Wednesday's to chase down the Brewers, whole hold a six-game lead over them in the NL Central.

Michael Busch hit a three-run double off Jacob Misiorowski, and the Chicago Cubs beat the Milwaukee Brewers 4-3 on Wednesday night for their third consecutive victory over the NL Central leaders.

Matt Shaw added a solo homer as Chicago won for the fifth time in six games. Colin Rea (10-5) pitched three-hit ball into the