Cubs’ Tucker Hits IL: 2 Other Key Fantasy Baseball Moves
Cubs’ Tucker Hits IL: 2 Other Key Fantasy Baseball Moves
The fantasy baseball playoffs are a treacherous time. One wrong move, one unexpected injury, and your championship aspirations can vanish. The latest blow to fantasy managers comes from Chicago, where the news about Cubs’ Tucker Barnhart has sent shockwaves through the community. This article breaks down the impact of his injury and highlights two other essential moves you need to consider to keep your team in the hunt.
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The Devastating Impact of Cubs’ Tucker Hitting the IL
Just when you needed him most, catcher Tucker Barnhart has been placed on the 10-day Injured List with what the team is calling a right quad strain. While not a season-ending injury, its timing couldn’t be worse for fantasy managers relying on his steady production behind the plate. The injury occurred as he was running out a ground ball in Monday’s game against the Brewers.
Losing Barnhart means losing a reliable, if not flashy, fantasy asset. So far this season, he’s provided a respectable .265 batting average, 12 home runs, and 58 RBI. In two-catcher leagues, those numbers represent a significant portion of a team’s production from a notoriously thin position. His veteran presence and ability to get on base consistently made him a lineup lock for many championship-contending teams.
The Cubs have indicated they expect Barnhart to miss at least two weeks, which could effectively end his season for most fantasy leagues. This is a critical blow. Now is the time to pivot, not panic. Check your league’s waiver wire immediately for potential replacements.
Who can you add to fill the void left by Cubs’ Tucker? Look for names like Elias Díaz of the Rockies, who benefits from playing his home games at Coors Field. Another solid option could be rookie Luis Campusano of the Padres, who has been seeing more playing time and showing flashes of power. For more in-depth options, be sure to check out our weekly fantasy baseball waiver wire column for the latest adds.
Key Move #1: Snagging Seattle’s Breakout Arm
While injuries create problems, they also create opportunities. As you search for a catching replacement, don’t overlook the pitching market. The biggest name emerging on waivers right now is Seattle Mariners’ right-hander Emerson Hancock.
Initially called up to fill a spot in the rotation, Hancock has done more than just eat innings—he’s dominated. Over his last three starts, he’s posted some eye-popping numbers:
- 20.1 Innings Pitched
- 24 Strikeouts
- 1.77 ERA
- 0.94 WHIP
What’s behind the sudden success? Hancock is leaning more on his devastating slider, a pitch that is generating a whiff rate of over 40%. According to FanGraphs, his velocity has also ticked up slightly, allowing his fastball to play more effectively at the top of the zone. This isn’t just a fluke; it’s a tangible change in approach that is yielding elite results.
The Mariners are in a tight wild-card race, meaning they will continue to rely on their best arms down the stretch. Hancock’s next two scheduled starts are against the Oakland Athletics and the Los Angeles Angels, two favorable matchups for any pitcher. He is still available in over 60% of leagues, but that number is dropping fast. Make him your top pitching priority this week.
Riding the Wave with a Red-Hot Ranger
Pitching wins championships, but you still need hitters to get you there. If your offense has gone cold at the worst possible time, look no further than Texas Rangers outfielder Leody Taveras. Often overlooked in a star-studded lineup, Taveras is currently on an absolute tear.
Over the last 14 days, Taveras has been one of the most productive hitters in baseball. He’s batting an incredible .385 with 4 home runs, 12 RBI, and 5 stolen bases in that span. His combination of power and speed is a fantasy goldmine, especially during the head-to-head playoffs where a single stolen base can swing a matchup.
Manager Bruce Bochy has taken notice, moving Taveras up in the batting order. Hitting in the 2-hole or 6-hole, ahead of or behind sluggers like Corey Seager and Adolis García, has provided him with ample opportunities to score and drive in runs. This isn’t just a player getting lucky on a few bloop singles; he’s hitting the ball with authority, posting a hard-hit rate of over 50% during this hot streak.
Like Hancock, Taveras’s ownership percentage is on the rise but remains low enough that he’s likely available in your league. If you need a spark in your outfield or utility spot, Taveras is a must-add player who can single-handedly win you a week.
Final Thoughts for Your Playoff Push
The fantasy baseball playoffs are a war of attrition. Losing a player like the Cubs’ Tucker Barnhart is a tough pill to swallow, but the season isn’t over. Championship-winning managers are those who can adapt and find value where others aren’t looking.
Your immediate action plan should be clear:
- Address the catcher position by finding a suitable replacement for Barnhart.
- Bolster your pitching staff by adding a high-upside arm like Emerson Hancock.
- Inject some life into your offense by grabbing a hot bat like Leody Taveras.
Stay vigilant, monitor the waiver wire daily, and make the decisive moves necessary to bring home the title. Good luck!
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