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
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How Texans offense can seize advantages, unlock potential versus desperate Jaguars
Sep 26, 2024, 6:21 pm
The Houston Texans host the Jaguars this Sunday, with CJ Stroud and company looking to get back on track after getting pounded by the Vikings last week.
The Jaguars also come into this matchup hungry for a win, having started the season 0-3.
On defense, the Texans will need better production from their interior defensive linemen this week. Houston's defensive tackles rank second to last in the league this year according to PFF, and HC DeMeco Ryans made a point of saying he wants to see some improvement from that group.
Big week coming for Nico Collins?
Collins popped up on the injury report on Thursday with a hamstring issue, but if he's able to play, the matchup for him is fantastic.
Houston #Texans Thursday Injury Report for Week 4 vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars: pic.twitter.com/8RF9BDwhts
— Houston Texans PR (@TexansPR) September 26, 2024
The Jaguars lead the league in using man coverage, and they've employed press coverage over 80% of the time this season. No receiver in the league has better numbers against those coverages than Nico.
Collins leads the NFL in first downs per route run versus man and press coverage.
The Jags are one of two defenses to use press coverage +80% of the time in 2024.
Best WR vs. press coverage?
Nico Collins pic.twitter.com/5VND5PVO4O
— Jacob Gibbs (@jagibbs_23) September 25, 2024
Houston may have to lean on Collins (assuming his hamstring is good) and Stefon Diggs this week, with Tank Dell likely unavailable for the game with an injury to his chest/ribs.
Dell injured himself at the end of the Vikings game on a meaningless drive, with backup QB Davis Mills in for Stroud.
What does Vegas think?
Depending on which sportsbook you're looking at, the Texans are favored by either 6 or 6.5 points.
The total for the game comes in at 45.5.
Be sure to watch the video above as the crew from Texans on Tap covers all the angles in their game breakdown.
Plus, join us on the SportsMapTexans YouTube channel directly following the game as we'll react live to all the action!
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