Outfielder Mike Tuckman (33), who played for the Hanwha Eagles in the KBO League last year, has emerged as a blessing for the Chicago Cubs. Although giant Cody Bellinger (28) is imminently returning from injury, Tuckman keeps a spot on the roster without being relegated to the minor leagues.
On the 15th (hereinafter Korean time), Tuchman started as the first hitter in center field in a home game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, and led the Cubs to a 10-6 come-from-behind victory with 3 hits, 2 RBIs and 3 runs in 5 at-bats.
Tuckman, who opened with a heavy hit from his first at-bat in the first inning, contributed 6 runs in a big inning by hitting 2 RBIs in a timely hit with one out and bases loaded in the 6th inning. He also hit left-handed in the eighth inning, completing his second three-hit game of the season. Even in defense in the 7th inning, he caught Carlos Santana’s long batted ball in front of the fence and flew in the air and defense.
Tuckman, who was called up to the big leagues on the 20th of last month, is batting .299 (29 hits in 67), 8 RBIs, 13 walks, 16 strikeouts, .415 slugging percentage, .343 OPS and .758 in 23 games of the season. In the last 4 games with leadoff No. 1, batting average is .412 (7 hits in 17 at-bats), 2 RBIs, 2 walks, on-base percentage of .474, slugging percentage of .529, OPS of 1.003.
Tuchman’s call-up was made following an injury to center fielder Bellinger. Bellinger, a former National League MVP, signed a one-year, $17.5 million contract with the Cubs this year after being released as a non-tender by the Los Angeles Dodgers last winter. He showed a revival pace with 20 homers and .830 OPS.
However, on the 16th of last month, he injured his left knee while making a jump catch while defending against the Houston Astros, and was placed on the injured list. Tuckman was brought up in that position, and it was expected that he would have to vacate again once Bellinger returned from injury.
But with Tuchman performing beyond expectations, the Cubs’ plans are changing. Bellinger played a rehabilitation game at Triple A Iowa on the 14th and 15th and started as a first baseman, not a center fielder. In order to prevent the recurrence of his knee injury, he is preparing to return as a first baseman who does not have a heavy defensive burden. 먹튀검증
According to ‘MLB.com’, Jed Hoyer, president of baseball operations for the Cubs, said, “This is a way for Bellinger to comfortably adapt to the game. He has the greatest impact on his team when he plays as center fielder, and he has no intention of using him as first baseman for the rest of the season. He said he wanted to put Bellinger back in the lineup,” and revealed that he was playing first base for a quicker and safer return.
At the same time, President Heuer mentioned Tuchman. “Tuchman is doing really well for us. He has a really good hit that the team needs against right-handed pitchers,” he praised. Tuchman is showing excellent productivity with a batting average of .38 against right pitchers (16 hits in 52 at-bats), 5 RBIs, and an OPS of .787.
Tuchman’s performance is so impressive that the president himself mentions it. Bellinger returns because he is a versatile player on defense and base running, and even if he takes on center field defense, it seems unlikely that he will go down to the minor leagues. Tuckman, who swallowed regret after the contract renewal with Hanwha after last year’s season, has been a blessing in disguise as he has settled in his hometown team, the Cubs.