Kyle Tucker Injury Update: Astros manager shares "encouraging" news on 2x All-Star's current condition
Houston Astros manager Joe Espada shared a positive update on Kyle Tucker's recovery progress on Sunday. The outfielder is currently placed on the 60-day IL by the club.
Espada said that there is no new development, but that he is in regular contact with the star, and that his current recovery progress looks encouraging (via The Athletic):
"There is nothing new to report," Espada said. "He actually sent me a very long, long, long text message and it was full of a lot of positive notes, so that was very encouraging.”
Tucker featured in 60 games for the Astros so far this season, hitting .266, with an OPS of .979, 19 HRs and 40 RBIs. However, he has been out of action for the past three months due to a shin injury.
General Manager Dana Brown also his expressed optimism about Tucker rejoining the team soon. Although he didn't mention any particular date for the return, Brown added that he might come back in September, possibly after Labor Day:
"I'm hoping that some point the first week of September, it could be post-Labor Day. I really feel like he can get back this first week of September. I feel like he's a lot closer than we think," Brown said. "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."
After a tough first half of the season, the Astros have come roaring back after the All-Star break. They currently lead the American League West standings with a 70-61 record.
If Kyle Tucker gets back to seeing action on the field in September, it would certainly be a boost for the Astros' lineup with just one month of regular season baseball left to play. The two-time All-Star slugger could be a key component for the Astros' postseason hopes.
Kyle Tucker reflects on recovery progress after first live BP session
Astros slugger Kyle Tucker has reflected on the progress of his recovery after his first live BP session since his injury. He said that he was feeling better, however, he kept actions related to running limited due to his shin contusion (via The Houston Chronicle):
"I’ve been able to do some explosive stuff in terms of going side to side, little shuffle things, or hops and jumping around. But in terms of actually running and stuff, I haven’t been able to go over that hurdle yet," Tucker said.
"But hitting has been really well. For the most part, it’s almost normal. Some swings here and there kind of bother me, but for the most part it feels pretty good,” he added.
As long as Tucker is still unable to run at his full potential, a rehab assignment can't be on the table until that is resolved. He said he was optimistic of making a return soon, however in his current situation, it remains difficult to predict a specific date.