Cubs Activate Kyle Tucker From Injured List Ahead Postseason

The Chicago Cubs have reinstated slugger Kyle Tucker from the injured list, placing him as the designated hitter in their lineup against the St. Louis Cardinals for their final regular-season series. Tucker, who has been out since early September with a left calf injury, is hitting .270 with 22 home runs and 73 RBIs this season, and will be eased back into action without playing his usual right field position initially. Manager Craig Counsell emphasized the importance of Tucker getting at-bats while limiting his base running to about 80-90% effort to manage his recovery ahead of the postseason. The Cubs currently hold the top National League wild-card spot and are set to face the San Diego Padres in the opening round, with Game 1 scheduled for Tuesday. Additionally, the team is monitoring the health of rookie pitcher Cade Horton, who has back/rib discomfort and may or may not be ready to start in the playoffs. To accommodate Tucker's return, the Cubs optioned infielder Carlos Santana to the minor leagues, reflecting their focus on maximizing their roster for the postseason push.