Kyle Tucker Injury: Astros manager provides encouraging update on outfielder's long-awaited return to MLB action

After an encouraging start to the MLB season, the Houston Astros lost Kyle Tucker to injury in June and have since been uncertain on the timeline for his return. The 27-year-old outfielder was originally placed in the 10-day injured list after fouling a ball off his shin, but his recovery has been slow and uncertain over the past two months.

However, Tucker was seen doing some outfield practice and running without discomfort, after which manager Joe Espada provided a positive update:

"There's still a small limp, but he says he feels it less. ... He's moving around pretty good, so that's good stuff."

Kyle Tucker was selected by the Houston Astros in the 2015 MLB Draft and went on to make his major league debut with them in 2018, after three years in the minors.

After moving in and out of the majors for the next two years, the outfielder had a breakthrough season in 2021 and cemented his place in the Houston lineup. The next year, he made his first career All-Star appearance and helped the Astros to the World Series title.

Tucker started the season strong with a slashline of .266/.395/.584 with 19 home runs and 40 RBIs, well on his way to having the best season of his career, However, a foul ball off his shin against the St. Louis Cardinals in the first week of June has seen him out of action since.

While his recovery timeline remains unclear, his body language during practice in the last couple of days suggests he could be back in the lineup in September.

---

Astros' latest replacement for Kyle Tucker hits the ground running

As the Houston Astros await Kyle Tucker's return to the lineup, they have a had run of hot form in the MLB, which has seen them surge to the top of the AL West.

In an attempt to add some depth to their outfield, the Astros have signed veteran Jason Heyward, who was DFA's by the Los Angeles Dodgers last week.

Playing at right field in Tucker's absence, Heyward put in an impressive shift on his debut for Houston on Thursday.

The 35-year-old hit a two-run double in the fifth to get the Astros on the board as they recorded a 6-3 win over the Kansas City Royals. Nonetheless, the Astros will hope to get Tucker back in action before the start of the MLB postseason.