What the unexpected Kyle Tucker domino effect really means for Astros big picture
EXAMINING THE RIPPLE EFFECT
05 September 2024
EXAMINING THE RIPPLE EFFECT
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.
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Cam Smith hit a three-run homer in his first game against the Cubs since being traded to Houston and Brandon Walter threw six solid innings in his first MLB victory as the Astros beat Chicago 7-4 on Friday night.
THE AIRCRAFT CARRIER.#BuiltForThis pic.twitter.com/xZ9dvfZYTs
— Houston Astros (@astros) June 28, 2025
Yainer Diaz added a three-run homer as AL West-leading Houston extended its winning streak to five games.
3-run Yainer Bomb!#BuiltForThis pic.twitter.com/4zku17xsR0
— Houston Astros (@astros) June 28, 2025
The Astros scored four runs in the third off Cubs starter Cade Horton (3-2), with Jose Altuve scoring on a sacrifice fly by Victor Caratini before Diaz capped the inning with his 377-foot shot to left-center.
Smith, a first-round draft selection by Chicago last year was acquired by the Astros in the offseason as part of the deal for Kyle Tucker, extended Houston’s lead to 7-0 in the fourth with his home run off the left field façade, his sixth of the season. Smith had two hits and scored two runs.
Walter (1-1), a 28-year-old left-hander, allowed one run on four hits with five strikeouts. Josh Hader got the final out for his 22nd save.
Jeremy Peña exited in the fifth with left rib soreness. He was hit by a pitch in his left side in the second. There was no immediate word on the extent of his injury.
Nico Hoerner hit a solo home run in the fifth, and Matt Shaw added a two-run double in the seventh and an RBI double in the ninth for NL Central-leading Chicago.
Horton allowed seven runs on eight hits with four walks in four innings.
Tucker was hitless in his return to Houston. He kept the game scoreless in the first, throwing Isaac Paredes out at the plate to end the frame.
Hader inducing a lineout to center by Ian Happ to end it with Tucker, representing the tying run, on deck.
Houston has its second five-game winning streak for the month of June, and improved to an MLB-best 18-6 this month.
Cubs RHP Colin Rea (4-3, 4.42 ERA) starts the second game of the three-game series Saturday. Houston has not named a starter.