Cubs' Tucker coming off IL, will play vs. Cardinals

Chicago Cubs All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker will return to the lineup Friday versus the St. Louis Cardinals, he told ESPN's Jesse Rogers.

Tucker hasn't played since Sept. 2 due to a left calf strain that landed him on the injured list.

The 28-year-old should provide a boost to a Cubs team that clinched the franchise's first playoff appearance since 2020. Chicago is slated to face the San Diego Padres in the wild-card round.

Tucker has hit 22 home runs with 73 RBIs over 133 games this season. He also owns an .854 OPS.

In addition to activating Tucker, the Cubs also optioned infielder Carlos Santana to the Arizona complex.