It looks like at least another ten days before Kyle Tucker returns. Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images.
After a huge series sweep of the Orioles over the weekend, the Astros hope to keep things rolling against the Rockies on Tuesday and Wednesday.
And while the Astros seem to be firing on all cylinders, they do have some important players they hope can return from injury in the coming days.
Astros manager Joe Espada joined the club's flagship station on Tuesday and provided some health updates. According to Espada, Justin Verlander is not progressing as fast as they had hoped. He is still not throwing.
Astros manager Joe Espada told @SportsMT that Justin Verlander is progressing slower than the team anticipated. He is still not throwing. Asked if this is a shoulder, arm or elbow problem, Espada reiterated is it just soreness in Verlander’s neck.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) June 25, 2024
Kyle Tucker is at least taking swings off a tee, and could start running soon. It also appears Jake Bloss may have dodged a bullet, and could return after his IL stint.
Kyle Tucker took swings off a tee Sunday and "could start running within the next few days," according to the Astros. The team also said Jake Bloss is scheduled for "light toss" Friday and may return "shortly after his 15-day IL stint concludes." I thought this was against HIPAA
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) June 25, 2024
Astros GM weighs in on Tucker
Dana Brown joined MLB Network on Tuesday and said Tucker is still “very sore.” As far as a timeline for his return, Brown said the Astros will be “very happy” if he can get back in ten days. Based on Brown's reaction, ten days sounds like a best case scenario. Two weeks could be closer to the real number.
We hope that means Joey Loperfido will get every chance to prove himself in the meantime.
"That's what our main focus is...win the division."
Astros GM Dana Brown discusses the trade deadline, rest of season outlook and more on #MLBNow. pic.twitter.com/GADNT8UNYp
— MLB Now (@MLBNow) June 25, 2024
The Astros will look to keep their winning streak going against the Rockies on Tuesday night. Here's a sneak peek at their lineup with Hunter Brown making the start.
Altuve 2B
Bregman 3B
Alvarez DH
Diaz C
Pena SS
Meyers CF
Dubon 1B
McCormick RF
Loperfido LF
Green and VanVleet score 21 each as Houston Rockets rout San Antonio Spurs
Nov 7, 2024, 11:40 am
Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet had 21 points each and the Houston Rockets built a huge lead early and coasted to a 127-100 win over the San Antonio Spurs Wednesday night.
Houston never trailed and had built a 25-point lead by halftime. The Rockets were up by 27 points when coach Ime Udoka cleared the bench with about 6½ minutes remaining.
Alperen Sengun added 16 points for the Rockets, who won for the fourth time in five games. VanVleet had 10 assists and seven rebounds — both season-highs — to go with his top scoring effort of the season.
Victor Wembanyama had 15 points, six rebounds and three blocks for the Spurs, who lost a second straight game. They were playing a third consecutive game without coach Gregg Popovich, who is out indefinitely while recovering from an illness. Mitch Johnson is filling in as interim coach while the 75-year-old Popovich, who did not travel with the team on this road trip, is out.
Takeaways
Spurs: San Antonio’s defense suffered Wednesday in its first game without top on-ball defender Jeremy Sochan, who suffered a fractured left thumb that will require surgery in Monday’s game. Rookie Stephon Castle, who started in his place, will need to step up with Sochan likely out for an extended period.
Rockets: After failing to play consistently for four quarters in the last two games, Houston finally put together a complete game against the Spurs.
Key moment
The Rockets were up by 7 with about five minutes left in the first quarter before using a 7-0 run, with the first five points by VanVleet, to make it 22-8. The Spurs didn’t get closer than 10 points after that.
Key stat
The Rockets dominated inside, outscoring the Spurs 66-46 in the paint.
Up next
San Antonio hosts Portland on Thursday night and the Rockets visit Oklahoma City on Friday night.
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