Kyle Tucker Injury Update: Dana Brown shares positive development, hopes for Astros slugger to return this month

The Houston Astros have surged into the AL playoff picture largely without Kyle Tucker. He's been on the Injured List since June 3 when he fouled a ball off his shin. They are now a half-game back of first place in the AL West, but they need his reinforcement.

At least, that's what general manager Dana Brown believes. The Astros have been much better of late and there's a strong chance they make the playoffs. They'll need Tucker back soon if they're to do so.

Brown said on SportsTalk 790:

“We should get him back sometime this month. He’s pretty much pain free & making great progress. He had good activity yesterday in Houston. There’s a chance he could be back in the big leagues this month. We need him bad.”

Tucker was an MVP candidate early in the season but has been unable to play for a long time. It's impressive that the Astros, who were once considered one of baseball's worst teams this year, have been able to come back largely without him.

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Astros manager Joe Espada provides Kyle Tucker update

Dana Brown isn't the only one in the Houston Astros organization who knows what Tucker can bring to their lineup. Manager Joe Espada, who is trying to get the Astros past the Seattle Mariners, said he's working his way back.

Kyle Tucker is on his way back (Imagn)

"Tucker did a ton of stuff to that back home. I just got video and it looked pretty good. The next few days are important. I'm going to keep him away from this turf and get him on the outfield grass and look at him," Espada said, via Chron.

Before his injury, Tucker had a .979 OPS with 19 home runs and 11 doubles through 60 games. Those are still among the best marks on the team, and the Astros have had to shuffle their outfield to fill the void left by the All-Star player. Fortunately, their patience may be rewarded soon. Tucker appears closer to a return now, though there's no official timetable.