Kyle Tucker Injury Update: All-Star outfielder didn't travel with Astros for Baltimore trip, Joe Espada addresses his recovery

Houston Astros All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker didn't travel with the team for their four-game road series against the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards. Ahead of Thursday's series opener in Baltimore, manager Joe Espada informed reporters about Tucker's unavailability.

Adding further, Espada said they are ramping up his recovery and are trying to get him to run at a faster speed.

Kyle Tucker has been out since early June, when in a game he fouled off a ball of his shin. Tucker suffered a shin contusion and decided against appearing at the 2024 All-Star game to boost his recovery.

Espada's confirmation on Thursday comes after Wednesday's update, where he said the team is contemplating whether to bring him on board for the road trip.

“We were discussing that with him right now, trying to figure out if it's better for him to stay here and get some work done or go with us,” Espada said on Wednesday.

Astros GM Dana Brown provides timeline on Kyle Tucker's expected return

MLB: Chicago White Sox at Houston Astros (Source: Imagn

Appearing on a local radio station of SportsTalk790, Astros general manager Dana Brown talked about Kyle Tucker's recovery. He mentioned he expects the outfielder back by the first week of September.

“I'm hoping that some point the first week of September, it could be post-Labor Day,” Brown said. “I really feel like he can get back this first week of September. I feel like he's a lot closer than we think. This is the type of injury where once you start to feel good, it's just a matter of getting your legs and your wind back. He's hitting balls in the upper deck in batting practice, by the way.”

"I spoke to Tucker yesterday, he's feeling a lot better. He's actually running on the field right now. I think getting him back in shape and getting rid of some of the soreness is gonna be where we need to get to in order to get him back on that field. When he comes back, it's gonna be a nice little boost for the club,” Brown added.

The Astros, who are positioned well to win the AL West division (5.5 games ahead of the second-placed Seattle Mariners), will certainly like Kyle Tucker back before October. Tucker was amid a purple patch, registering a .979 OPS and 19 home in 60 games before his injury.