Kyle Tucker hit his first Wrigley Field home run, a two-run drive to right field in the second inning that gave the Cubs a 7-3 lead.
“It was nice,” Tucker said of the home run off the Padres’ Logan Gillaspie. “Obviously, I would rather finish with a win, but I feel comfortable up there. Putting together some good at-bats, trying to square up the ball as much as I can.”
Tucker did that Sunday despite another chilly day at Wrigley Field, a stark departure from his former home in Houston that came with a retractable roof in a much different climate. The official game-time temperature was 44 degrees, with the wind blowing in from the northeast at 4 mph.
Like any player joining the Cubs should, Tucker knew the conditions could be difficult early – and maybe late – in the year just blocks from Lake Michigan. Thanks to some extra layers for warmth, Tucker was able to play without the weather impeding his performance and turned in his fourth multi-hit game of the year.
“It’s tough, but at the same time you know regardless of how cold or warm it is, you’ve still got to go out there and play and perform,” Tucker said. “It got colder throughout the game, but if you keep the same mentality that you’ve just got to go out there and have a really good at-bat and play good defense and treat it like you’ve got to perform no matter what.”
Honoring ‘Otis’
During a pregame ceremony, the Cubs unveiled a locker room plaque in honor of Tom “Otis” Hellmann, who died Jan. 31, 2024. Hellman, who was approaching his 42nd season with the Cubs prior to his death, served as the team’s clubhouse manager for 23 years before taking an emeritus role in 2023.
Counsell said Hellmann was someone who served the Cubs community “in a very very meaningful way.”
“Someone like Otis is here to support all of us,” Counsell said. “They do it quietly and behind the scenes and without much fanfare. To everybody they support they are truly important people and special people. They make us look good, they make our lives easier and they serve.”
Assad update
Pitcher Javier Assad (left oblique strain) threw in an extended spring training game Friday in Arizona and Counsell said he’s doing well. Assad’s next appearance will be in Arizona, and if that goes as planned he will be sent on a rehab assignment.
“Everything’s trending in a good direction,” Counsell said.
Goose watch
A small section of seats atop the center-field bleachers was blocked off to fans. The reason: a goose nesting in a nearby juniper planter.
“At the Friendly Confines, we truly mean it when we say everyone’s welcome, including the goose and her nest who took up residence in the bleachers,” the Cubs said in a statement. “We’re giving her the space she needs while we’ve been working closely with a wildlife organization to manage the situation safely and responsibly, in full accordance with state law. In the meantime, we have blocked off the area to fans. Protecting our fans, and our feathered guest, is our top priority.”