What the unexpected Kyle Tucker domino effect really means for Astros big picture
EXAMINING THE RIPPLE EFFECT
05 September 2024
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.
First baseman Jon Singleton was released Tuesday by the Houston Astros.
Singleton had hit .171 with a .239 on-base percentage, no homers and two RBIs in 17 spring training games. The 33-year-old batted .234 with a .321 on-base percentage, 13 homers and 42 RBIs while playing 119 games last season.
The Astros signed Singleton to a $10 million, five-year contract in 2014 just before he made his major league debut, and after he had served two suspensions in the minor leagues for positive marijuana tests.
He batted below .200 in 2014 and 2015 before getting sent to the minors. He spent the entire 2016 and 2017 seasons in the minors and then tested positive for marijuana a third time.
Singleton requested his release from the Astros after receiving a 100-game suspension for that third positive test. He left the game before returning to organized baseball in the Mexican League.
He got back into the majors in 2023, first with the Milwaukee Brewers and later with the Astros.
Singleton agreed on March 8 to a contract paying $850,000 while in the major leagues and $425,000 while in the minors.
Jon Singleton cleared waivers and will be released by the Astros, source tells @TheAthletic. There is still a chance he re-signs with the Astros, but Singleton will explore his options.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) March 25, 2025
