
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
José Soriano and two relievers combined for a two-hitter and Oswald Peraza hit his first home run since a trade from the Yankees to lead the Los Angeles Angels to a 3-0 win over the Houston Astros on Sunday.
Soriano (10-9) allowed one hit and struck out eight in seven innings. Luis García allowed one hit in a scoreless eighth and Kenley Jansen threw a perfect ninth for his 25th save.
There were two outs in the fifth when Peraza connected off Hunter Brown (10-7) into the bullpen in right-center field to put the Angels up 1-0. His homer comes after his two-run single in the ninth inning Saturday helped Los Angeles to a 4-1 victory that snapped a three-game skid.
Yoan Moncada walked to start the eighth and scored on Mike Trout’s double that bounced off the wall in center field to make it 2-0. Taylor Ward walked before Luis Rengifo reached and Trout scored on an error by Lance McCullers Jr. when the pitcher overthrew first base.
Yordan Alvarez singled with no outs in the first and Soriano walked a batter in the second and sixth innings. The Astros didn’t get another hit until Ramón Urías doubled with one out in the eighth inning. Los Angeles outfielder Taylor Ward was injured trying to make a catch on that hit when he crashed face-first into the metal scoreboard in left field.
He was carted off the field holding a towel to the right side of his face. He was taken to a hospital by ambulance where interim manager Ray Montgomery said he would receive stitches to close the cut and be evaluated.
Brown allowed three hits and a run with five strikeouts in six innings. McCullers Jr. allowed three hits and two runs in his first relief appearance since 2018.
Key moment
The home run by Peraza.
Key stat
It’s the fifth time the Astros have been shut out this month.
Up next
LHP Yusei Kikuchi (6-9, 3.68 ERA) will start for Los Angeles in the series finale Monday against RHP Luis Garcia, who’ll make his return after sitting out since May 2023 recovering from Tommy John surgery.