The Chicago Cubs have seen their lead in the National League Central evaporate recently, as the Milwaukee Brewers surged ahead with a historic winning streak. Before their Tuesday doubleheader, the Cubs trailed the Brewers by nine games in the division, underscoring the urgency for Chicago to win crucial matchups if they hope to reenter the playoff race. Despite the Cubs’ efforts, a 7-0 Brewers win on Monday halted Milwaukee’s 14-game winning streak but did little to close the division gap.

Compounding Chicago’s difficulties, star players Pete Crow-Armstrong and Kyle Tucker have both experienced notable slumps at the plate, hampering the team’s offense. While Crow-Armstrong continues to contribute defensively, earning praise as one of Major League Baseball’s top defenders, Tucker has failed to offer the same impact in any facet of the game during this critical stretch.

Pat Murphy Points to Kyle Tucker’s Possible Injury as Cause of Decline

Pat Murphy, manager of the Milwaukee Brewers, weighed in on Kyle Tucker’s recent struggles, suggesting that the right fielder may be trying to play through an undisclosed injury. Speaking on 670 The Score, Murphy expressed sympathy and insight into Tucker’s sudden downturn, stating that he has noticed a clear difference in his performance but had no official details on any injury.

I think Tucker is hurt. I don’t have any information, but Tucker’s not the same. He’s hurt, and he’s playing through it. He’s such a class kid that he probably doesn’t mention it to anyone,

Murphy said.

As an opposing manager, Murphy has witnessed firsthand Tucker’s ability and importance to the Cubs. The All-Star was acquired to be a consistent cornerstone for Chicago’s lineup and rewarded those expectations with strong numbers earlier this season. However, his current form indicates a sharp decline that could be linked to physical limitations.

Tucker’s Struggles Highlighted by Poor August Performance

The right fielder’s difficulties have reached a point where his contribution may be detrimental to the team’s success. In August, Tucker has yet to hit an extra-base hit and holds disappointing statistics with a .148 batting average, .233 on-base percentage, and .248 slugging percentage. His total OPS+ metrics are also alarmingly low, reflecting well below-average offensive production.

These troubling numbers follow a decline that began in July, where over 38 games he recorded a .189 average with a lone home run and three doubles. While Tucker maintains an excellent eye at the plate—drawing more walks than strikeouts—his inability to deliver hits has placed added pressure on the Cubs’ lineup to generate offense from other sources. Without a turnaround, Tucker’s ongoing ineffectiveness threatens to reduce Chicago to a middling team rather than a contender.

Impact on Cubs’ Playoff Hopes and Team Dynamics

The Cubs’ struggles extend beyond just offensive woes as the slump of both Tucker and Crow-Armstrong deepens the team’s challenges. With the Brewers dominating the division and Chicago’s key players underperforming, the Cubs face mounting frustration and a precarious position in the standings. Tucker’s suspected injury, combined with his overall performance drop, raises questions about how the organization will address the issue moving forward to preserve their postseason aspirations.

Pat Murphy’s comments shed light on the possibility that Tucker’s challenges are not solely mental or form-related but also physical. This perspective offers some explanation for the sudden and steep loss of production from one of the league’s previously most reliable hitters. The upcoming stretch of games will be critical for the Cubs to evaluate Tucker’s status and find ways to support him and the team as they attempt to close the gap in the division race.