Kyle Tucker gets first day off against Tigers

DETROIT — After starting the Astros’ first 38 games this season, right fielder Kyle Tucker was not in the lineup for Saturday’s game against the Tigers.

Manager Joe Espada said before this series that he planned to give some of his roster regulars in Detroit the day off. Tucker, Jose Altuve, Yordan Alvarez and Jeremy Peña started the Astros’ first 38 games.

“For us to win, I have to give these guys a little break,” Espada said Thursday.

Tucker started 37 games in right field and one at DH. He’s been one of Houston’s most productive hitters, with seven homers in his last 12 games through Friday. His .965 OPS ranked fourth among AL qualified hitters entering Sunday’s games.

Houston faced Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal on Saturday. Skubal entered with a 1.90 ERA in seven starts and held left-handed hitters to a 3-for-22 mark. Tucker was hitting .302 with a 1.073 OPS against left-handed pitching. Espada said the game wasn’t the reason Tucker was rested.

“Just a day off,” Espada said. “I don’t think there are any tough matchups for Tucker.”