CHICAGO -- After rounding first base in the eighth inning on Monday afternoon, Kyle Tucker removed his helmet with both hands and slammed it hard into the ground. The sound of the plastic meeting dirt was easily heard, even as Cubs fans sent some boos from Wrigley Field’s stands.

Widely considered the top pending free agent available this coming offseason, Tucker was a game-changing catalyst for Chicago’s lineup in the first half of this season, but his frustration over his part in the team’s recent offensive woes has become visible for the typically cool-and-collected star. After a 7-0 loss to the Brewers, Cubs manager Craig Counsell acknowledged that it was time for Tucker to take a breather.

“The fans are frustrated and Kyle’s frustrated,” Counsell said. “And it’s unfortunate, b

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