Cubs MVP Candidate Missing First Game of 2025 Season

Well, this isn't exactly surprising news but it's not any less unsettling as Cubs MVP candidate Kyle Tucker is missing his first game of the 2025 season after suffering an injury on Sunday. The Cubs begin a three-game series Tuesday night against the Nationals and after a day off Tucker's right ring finger is still an issue because he's not in the starting lineup.

Tucker was removed from Sunday's series finale against the Reds at Wrigley Field following the fourth inning as a precautionary measure. The left-handed hitting outfielder injured the right ring finger in the first inning, when he was thrown out trying to steal second base. He had two more plate appearances before the Cubs took him out to begin the fifth inning.

After Sunday's game Cubs manager said he wasn't too concerned over Tucker's status, but did acknowledge that his star outfielder could be out a game or two. Seiya Suzuki is getting the start in right field Tuesday night, while veteran Justin Turner slots in as the designated hitter against the Nationals.

With no Tucker in the middle of the lineup Counsell has moved Pete Crow-Armstrong up to the No. 3 spot in the batting order against former Cubs pitcher Trevor Williams.

Tucker currently leads the Cubs offense with a 154 wRC+ in 59 games. He has a slash line of .284/.394/.524, with 12 home runs and 16 stolen bases this year. Just how good has Tucker been with the Cubs?

Historically good as Tucker recently became the first player since 1920 to reach various milestones in less than 60 games to begin the season.

The Cubs have not given an update on Tucker since releasing their lineup for Tuesday night's game against the Nationals. Cubs fans are certainly hoping the best hitter on the team won't miss more action as the team embarks on a nine-game road trip that begins a stretch of 26 games in 27 days.

Entering Tuesday, the Cubs lead the NL Central by four games over the Cardinals with a division-leading 37-22 record.