The Houston Astros received a major boost ahead of their series with the Arizona Diamondbacks as outfielder Kyle Tucker has returned to the lineup.
Tucker had been sidelined since early June due to a shin injury sustained against the St. Louis Cardinals. Before the injury, Tucker was on track for his best season in the Major Leagues.
Unfortunately, the injury turned out to be more severe than initially anticipated, causing him to miss the past three months. In the 60 games he played this season, Tucker posted a .266 batting average with 19 home runs and 40 RBIs.
Tucker’s career high for home runs is 30, achieved in both 2021 and 2022. Had it not been for the injury, he likely would have surpassed this mark.
The Astros are set to welcome Tucker back into the lineup on Friday night, and manager Joe Espada expressed the team’s enthusiasm about his return. “He is incredibly excited,” Espada told Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. “He’s thrilled to be back, and so are we. His return adds extra energy and depth to the team, and everyone is eager to have him back.”
Tucker’s return at this stage of the season is crucial for the Astros. Although he won’t have the benefit of minor league rehab and might need some time to regain his form, Houston’s strong lead in the American League West allows them the flexibility to ease him back into the lineup.
While Tucker might not play every day as he shakes off the rust, he remains a key player with the potential to significantly impact the postseason. His addition enhances the Astros’ lineup with more depth and a balanced mix of right-handed and left-handed hitters, along with his power-hitting ability.
As September progresses, don’t expect Tucker to be an everyday player immediately. The Astros will likely manage his return carefully. Heading into October, Tucker will be a player to watch closely. If he can replicate his performance from the season’s first 60 games, the Astros could become the team to beat in the American League.
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