CHICAGO -- The prolonged nature of Kyle Tucker ’s uncharacteristic offensive struggles have necessitated questions for weeks about whether the Cubs star was playing through a health issue. He sustained a finger injury in June, but both Tucker and team personnel have downplayed that as a lingering problem.

On Wednesday night, Cubs manager Craig Counsell confirmed an ESPN report that Tucker was diagnosed in June with a hairline fracture in his right hand, which he injured on a slide into second base on June 1 against the Reds. Initial X-rays were negative on what was described as a jammed right ring finger, but subsequent testing revealed the small break.

“He was sore for a little while, but was able to play,” Counsell said after Wednesday’s 4-3 win over the Brewers. “We did some more

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