Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker’s return is looking imminent after a nearly three-month absence due to what has become a contentious shin injury. Tucker has not played in a major league game since sustaining the injury on June 3rd against the Cardinals when he fouled a ball off his right shin. Initially, Houston described the injury as a “deep bone bruise” or “shin contusion,” but reports from The Athletic indicate that Tucker actually suffered a fracture.
The Athletic cites three sources familiar with Tucker’s injury who confirm that the 27-year-old outfielder did indeed have a bone fracture. Initially, Astros general manager Dana Brown denied any fracture, but he later acknowledged the injury in a statement released on Monday.
“After several rounds of medical imaging, we suspect there was some type of small fracture,” Brown stated. “As with all injuries of this nature, once the fracture heals, it takes time for the muscles around the leg to regain strength. Tucker has worked incredibly hard to get back on the field and is thankfully ready to contribute in September and the postseason.”
Despite the confusion surrounding his injury, Tucker’s return to the first-place Astros appears to be on the horizon. The three-time All-Star right fielder joined the team in Cincinnati for their series that began on Monday. Tucker has resumed facing live pitching and participating in defensive drills. On Friday, he reported that the pain in his shin is now “minimal” and deemed the team’s road trip as the “best-case” scenario for his return.
“If I’m not trying to beat out an infield single or hustling right now, I think I’d be fine,” Tucker said. “[I’ll] look to potentially [return] in Cincinnati or during the home stand after.”
Houston typically utilizes Yordan Alvarez as their designated hitter, but with Alex Bregman also sidelined, Tucker’s readiness to play the outfield could be crucial. Astros manager Joe Espada noted on Monday that Tucker was running at 85% without issues, and although it’s uncertain if he needs to run at full capacity, Espada suggested that Tucker could return “pretty soon.”
The Astros have moved into first place in the American League West during Tucker’s 91-day absence. Even a partial return of Tucker could be a significant boost for Houston, who have been lacking production from their corner outfield spots. His comeback would enhance an already formidable Astros lineup as they head into the postseason.
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