The Cubs entered their five-game series against the Brewers with an MLB-low 44 runs in August, giving them an average of 2.93 runs per game over a 15-game stretch that was more than long enough to raise concerns. Over that same period, their worst offensive performer was the man they’d made a splash to acquire in the offseason as the core of what they hoped would be a deep playoff run. For whatever reason, Kyle Tucker remained near the top of the order despite wearing his frustration and fatigue plainly in his body language.
“I’m gonna give an answer that will frustrate people: Hit your best players at the top of the lineup the most often,” Jed Hoyer said prior to the series opener when asked about Tucker’s playing time.