What the unexpected Kyle Tucker domino effect really means for Astros big picture
EXAMINING THE RIPPLE EFFECT
05 September
Kyle Tucker could return to the lineup this week! Composite Getty Image.
Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker is getting close to returning to action after being sidelined since June with what was believed to be a deep bone bruise on his shin.
The Athletic reported this week that Tucker is actually dealing with a fracture, and that's why it's taken so long for him heal.
This shouldn't come as a surprise, as the Astros are known for being extremely secretive about injuries. However, they're also known for rushing players back too soon, as we've seen with recently with pitcher JP France.
After watching the videos of Tucker running the bases, he clearly looks better than he did a couple of weeks ago. But it's quite obvious Tucker still isn't 100%.
Which is concerning because the Astros anticipate him returning in just a few days. Maybe as soon as the Diamondback series later this week.
Based on the way Tucker is moving, we don't expect him to play right field every day when he returns, which means he'll have to DH from time to time to keep his bat in the lineup.
Which means Alex Bregman and Yordan Alvarez may be asked to play in the field more often as King Tuck works his way back. And the same goes for Yainer Diaz, who may be asked to catch more frequently.
Bregman is dealing with his own injury (elbow), and missed four straight games before returning to action on Wednesday.
One other factor to consider, is how forthcoming are the Astros being about Bregman? Is he really going to push through his elbow issue until he's able to have surgery in the offseason?
Which begs the question, could the team be pushing Tucker back into action because Bregman will continue to miss time?
Plus, with the DH being occupied by Tucker, Bregman, and Alvarez, Jose Altuve is going to have to play 2nd base on a daily basis.
Which isn't ideal for a 34-year-old player who is already showing signs of fatigue with his power numbers dwindling.
This is one video you don't want to miss as we react to Tucker's fractured shin, and examine the ripple effect that will take place when Tucker finally returns.
Catch our weekly Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast. Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo discuss varied Astros topics. The first post for the week generally goes up Monday afternoon (second part released Tuesday) via The SportsMap HOU YouTube channel or listen to episodes in their entirety at Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
How Houston Texans survived defensive duel to best Bears
Sep 15, 2024, 11:30 pm
C.J. Stroud threw for 260 yards and a touchdown and Ka′imi Fairbairn kicked four field goals to help the Houston Texans top the Chicago Bears 19-13 on Sunday night.
Fairbairn connected from 56, 47, 59 and 53 yards, and Houston's defense put heavy pressure on Caleb Williams for much of the game.
Stroud’s 28-yard scoring pass to Nico Collins put Houston up 10-3 early in the second quarter, and the Texans led 16-10 at halftime.
Houston (2-0) had trouble moving the ball in the second half and managed only a field goal, but its defense intercepted Williams twice to secure the victory.
Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft, was 23 of 37 for 174 yards. He was sacked seven times.
Houston’s Cam Akers fumbled on the Chicago 4 with about 6½ minutes left, and the Bears (1-1) recovered. Cairo Santos made a 54-yard field goal to make it 19-13 with 2:51 left.
The Texans couldn’t get anything going on their next drive and punted with about 90 seconds left. But Williams was sacked by Danielle Hunter on second down and his fourth-down pass fell incomplete to allow Houston to run out the clock.
Collins had 135 yards receiving for a second straight 100-yard game to power the offense in a game where Joe Mixon left briefly with an ankle injury. He managed just 25 yards rushing after he led the NFL with 159 yards rushing last weekend in his Houston debut.
Neither team scored in the second half until Houston extended the lead to 19-10 with a 53-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter. That score was set up when Williams was hit as he threw and was intercepted by Derek Stingley.
On Chicago’s second play of the next drive Williams escaped a sack only to throw another interception. This time he was picked off by rookie Kamari Lassiter, a second-round pick from Georgia.
The Texans went in front for good on Collins' TD reception on the first play of the second quarter. That play came after he was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct on the previous play for pushing his hand into Tyrique Stevenson’s face after the cornerback back put his hands in Collins’ face.
The Texans made it 13-3 with a 47-yard field goal on their next possession. Stroud had a stellar throw on the drive, finding Collins for an 18-yard gain on the run despite taking a hit as he threw.
A 2-yard scoring run by Khalil Herbert just before halftime cut Houston's lead to 13-10. It was the first touchdown on offense for the Bears this season after they failed to score any last week. The score was set up by a pass interference call on rookie Calen Bullock that gave the Bears a first down at the 6.
A 59-yard field goal by Fairbairn made it 16-10 at halftime.
Be sure to watch the video above as the crew from Texans on Tap reacts live to the Texans win over the Bears on YouTube!
Injuries
Bears: DL Zacch Pickens left in the second half with a groin injury. … WR Keenan Allen was inactive with a heel injury.
Up next
Bears: Visit Indianapolis next Sunday.
Texans: Visit Vikings next Sunday.
Most Popular
SportsMap Emails
Are Awesome
Listen Live
