Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a right shin contusion. Tucker, who is tied for second in home runs this season, sustained the injury when he fouled a pitch off his leg during a game against the St. Louis Cardinals.
After being seen on crutches following a recent game, Astros manager Joe Espada explained that Tucker’s recovery is taking longer than expected. The team wants to ensure Tucker is fully healthy before he returns to play, hence the decision to place him on the injured list.
Tucker’s IL stint is retroactive to Tuesday, with the earliest possible return date being June 14. At the time of his injury, Tucker was among the league leaders in OPS, walks, and slugging percentage, making his absence a significant loss for the Astros.
Adding to the Astros’ challenges, pitchers Cristian Javier and José Urquidy recently underwent Tommy John surgery and will miss the rest of the season. The team is now focusing on managing the injuries and bringing in additional support for their lineup during this difficult period.