When will Kyle Tucker return? Joe Espada shares latest update on Astros slugger 

The Houston Astros will get a major boost as Kyle Tucker is expected to make his return to the lineup when they host the Arizona Diamondbacks for their three-game series starting this Friday. The outfielder has not played for the Astros since June 3 due to a fractured shinbone that he suffered from a foul ball off his bat.

Tucker is a three-time All-Star currently in his seventh year with the Astros. He made an excellent start to the 2024 season and emerged as an early contender for the American League MVP. Before his injury, he was batting .266/.395/.584 with .979 OPS and 19 home runs. Tucker has a 3.6 bWAR for 2024, which ranks tied for second among the Astros, despite missing three months of action.

On Thursday, Astros manager Joe Espada spoke to the Houston Chronicle's Matt Kawahara about Kyle Tucker's return to the lineup. According to Espada, the Astros slugger could be reactivated from the IL on Friday based on his recovery from the rehab assignments.

"Joe Espada said the hope is Kyle Tucker can be activated tomorrow. The Astros are gauging how Tucker recovers from his pregame work here the last few days," Kawahara posted on X/Twitter.

The Astros have struggled with their offensive production from the outfield, with Jason Heyward being added to the roster on a minor-league deal last month. Heyward has filled in at right field lately, but his playing time will likely be limited once Tucker comes back into the team.

Kyle Tucker gives Astros huge lift for playoffs

Tucker was an early AL MVP candidate before getting injured (Image Credit: IMAGN)

Kyle Tucker's return comes at just the right time for the Astros, who are closing in on their eighth consecutive postseason appearance. Despite having a dreadful start to the campaign, the Astros have been excellent since the All-Star break. They have a 75-65 record and sit atop the American League West standings with a five-game lead over the second-placed Seattle Mariners.

Meanwhile, Tucker was enjoying one of his best seasons in the MLB before landing up on the IL. His .395 on-base percentage is a career-high, along with the .979 OPS. He has considerably improved his discipline at the plate as well, earning 46 walks while striking out just 41 times this season.

If Tucker manages to deliver the same kind of production with the bat upon returning to the team, the Astros could be well-placed to make a deep run into the playoffs once again.