Tucker has played himself into the conversation of an extension which could be worth more than half a billion dollars, and as a result, it has become a question of whether or not

The veteran right-hander strained his right calf while running Thursday, casting an even brighter spotlight on what Jed Hoyer's front office can do to bolster the rotation ahead of the trade deadline.

With a 55-38 record and a two-game lead in the National League Central, the Cubs have easily cleared the first threshold.

The Chicago Cubs have one clear need that has to be addressed ahead of the MLB trade deadline this year: starting pitching.

You know what would be just as helpful to the Cubs as trading for a quality starter? If their highest-paid pitcher at $18 million a year got himself into top gear and stayed there.

The Chicago Cubs bring on former Twins pitcher Ryan Jensen to provide some additional depth to their rotation.

This article was originally published on www.si.com/mlb/cubs as Cubs Reportedly Have Aggressive Deadline Mentality To Acquire Starting Pitching. The Chicago Cubs need help in their rotation.

The Chicago Cubs enter the month of the trade deadline with very clear needs for Jed Hoyer to address. The biggest need of all is in their starting rotation. Sandy Alcantara, understandably, is a pitcher Cubs fans have been clamoring for really since Opening Day. While he's a big name, he continues to prove the Cubs should go in another direction.

Cubs Reportedly Concerned With Pitching Depth Heading Into MLB Trade Deadline originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Starting pitching was already a need for the Chicago Cubs as the MLB trade deadline approaches. That has only increased with Jameson Tallion going on the 15-day injured list with a right calf strain.

Cubs trade top prospects to Diamondbacks for Eugenio Suárez, adding power and experience to Chicago’s lineup in a pivotal deadline deal.