Houston Astros captain gives somewhat concerning news on Kyle Tucker’s injury

The Houston Astros open a big-time series against the Seattle Mariners on Friday night, hoping to take over the lead in the American League West. After struggling for much of the season, the Astros have found a way to get back on track and are now in a good position to do some damage.

What’s even more impressive about their performance last month is that they did it without Kyle Tucker. There’s a good chance the left-handed hitter is the team’s best hitter, making his return a big deal.

Tucker has been out since June 3 with a right shin contusion. Before the injury, the 27-year-old was batting .266/.395/.584 with 19 homers and 11 doubles in just 214 at-bats.

He was in the running for American League MVP, but that now seems out of the question because of the way Aaron Judge and others played while he was down.

And unfortunately, it doesn’t look like Tucker is close to returning. According to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com, head coach Joe Espada said Tucker hasn’t even started running yet.

“We’ve got to get him running and get him to put weight on that leg. He’s hitting, he’s throwing, but we’re not at the point yet where we can let him get loose on the bases. That’ll be the next step.”

Dana Brown also said that no date has been set for his return.

While Houston has played great baseball in his absence, it’s only a matter of time before this injury comes back to haunt them. Even if they make a move or two at the deadline to add depth, replacing Tucker is next to impossible.

Unless they can somehow land one of the best players in Major League Baseball, which they won’t, it’s unlikely anyone can bring the value he does to this roster.

Hopefully they can continue to play this way and take control of the American League West. If they can take a comfortable lead in the division, the Astros can afford to rest him until he’s fully healthy.

Not that they shouldn’t do it anyway, but Tucker might feel some pressure to come back if they start to fall off a bit.

3.5 games out of the third Wild Card is something to watch. If they were to let the division slip away, Houston wouldn’t exactly be in a position to make the playoffs via the Wild Card.