The Houston Astros expect to receive a significant boost this weekend with the return of All-Star. According to MLB.com, the team hopes Tucker, who has been sidelined since June 3 after fouling a ball off his right leg, will be ready to start on Friday as the designated hitter.
Astros manager Joe Espada indicated that Tucker is showing improvement and is expected to take on the DH role once or twice a week.
“He ran today, and we’re hopeful he can be in the lineup for the series against the D-backs,” Espada said, as reported by MLB.com. “Things are looking very positive, so Friday might be the day. We’ll see how it goes.”
Initially, Tucker’s injury was diagnosed as a right shin contusion, but he revealed on Monday that he had suffered a small fracture. He was placed on the 10-day injured list four days after the injury and moved to the 60-day IL on July 30.
Tucker’s absence was expected to be a significant setback for the Astros. However, the team has performed remarkably well in his absence, winning over 60 percent of their games and holding the best record in the American League since his injury. The Astros were six games under .500 when he went down but are now 10 games above .500 and lead the AL West after being 10 games back on June 18.
The Astros will start a three-game series at home against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday, following a sweep by the Cincinnati Reds earlier this week.
Kyle Tucker’s 2024 season
Before his injury, Kyle Tucker was his normal form, putting up monster numbers at the plate while playing exceptional defense in rightfield.
The 27-year-old has a.266 batting average,.979 OPS, 19 home runs, 11 doubles, 40 RBIs, and 10 stolen bases without getting caught. He had a hit in three consecutive games before being shelved.
Tucker was chosen an American League All-Star for the third straight season despite only appearing in 60 games.
Tucker’s return comes at an ideal moment, as he will get approximately 70 at-bats before the MLB playoffs begin on October 1.
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