Houston Astros star right fielder, Kyle Tucker, is still considered day-to-day after he was helped off the field on Monday. A frightening moment unfolded at Minute Maid Park when the Astros All-Star collapsed in severe pain after fouling a ball off his shin. After his third inning exit, Tucker underwent X-rays, which came back negative, and saw doctors again later on for further evaluation. On Tuesday, Astros manager Joe Espada said Tucker was “feeling better,” and hopes the 27-year-old outfielder will be back in the lineup “after a day or two.”
Kyle Tucker Considered “Day-to-Day” With Leg Contusion
Facing Kyle Gibson, Tucker fouled a 2-0 cutter off his right shin and immediately fell to the ground in pain. He appeared to be struggling to put any weight on his right leg as he tried to walk it off. Tucker eventually grabbed his helmet and bat to finish his at-bat before turning back and limping off the field with the Astros training staff. The Astros said Tucker sustained a right shin contusion. He was on crutches postgame, and Espada confirmed prior to Tuesday’s contest that Tucker was “still on his crutches.”
Kyle Tucker has started all but one of Houston’s first 61 games this season, 57 in right field. Mauricio Dubón, who finished the at-bat for Tucker on Monday, drew the start in right field Tuesday night.
Entering Monday’s contest, Kyle Tucker was a front runner for this year’s American League MVP. He’s tied for second in the majors with 19 homers and leads the Astros with 40 RBI and 10 steals. While his .974 OPS ranks fifth in the majors among qualified MLB hitters.
Kyle Tucker has been one of the Astros most consistent hitters since making his debut in 2018. He leads Houston in nearly every offensive category and seems the Astros caught a break with Tucker’s injury scare. Houston has been no stranger to injuries this season with nearly the entire rotation spending time on the injured list.
The Astros sit 28-34 and trail the Seattle Mariners by seven games in the AL West. Houston will need Tucker and his 179 OPS+ to get back into both the division and Wild Card race. The Astros will look to complete the three-game sweep against the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday. Considering Thursday is a team off-day for the Astros, Espada could opt to sit Tucker again for Wednesday’s series finale.
Kyle Tucker will continue to have his leg examined to ensure that he’s merely dealing with a bruise. “The area’s pretty sore,” Espada said. “Hopefully we’ll get him back in a few days.”
Main Photo: © Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
