HOUSTON — Just in time for the home stretch of the regular season, the Astros are getting one of their biggest bats back. The team announced on Friday that outfielder Kyle Tucker has been reinstated from the injured list.
Tucker had been out since fouling a ball off his shin on June 3 in the Astros game against the Cardinals. The team had maintained the injury was a contusion, but a report surfaced earlier this week in The Athletic that Tucker’s injury was actually a fracture.
Tucker confirmed the news while speaking with Space City Home Network Monday night.
“After swelling and everything kind of calmed down, it was revealed there was a fracture in my shin,” Tucker said after Monday's game. “Obviously, it's been a little while and I feel pretty good right now, a lot more running, getting my legs under me. A lot more at-bats."
At this point, it’s not clear when the team knew about the fracture, but his rehab has been ramping up and he said he could join the lineup within days.
For the season, Tucker is hitting. .266 with 19 home runs and 40 RBIs
To make room for Tucker, the team sent Zach Dezenzo has been optioned to Triple-A Sugar Land. Pitcher Parker Mushinski has been designated for assignment.
The Astros are holding onto a 4.5-game lead over the Mariners in the American League West.
