Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker has been on the injured checklist because of a proper shin contusion for almost two months now, however it doesn’t seem as if he’s more likely to be a part of the membership’s lineup anytime quickly as they try to tug away from the Mariners in a decent race for the AL West crown. As supervisor Joe Espada instructed reporters (together with Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle) earlier at present, the membership shouldn’t be but sure if Tucker will be capable of contribute within the majors at any level within the month of August. Espada described the scenario with Tucker as a day-to-day scenario, including that whereas it’s a “risk” he may play in some unspecified time in the future this month it will be “too aggressive” for him to decide to that timeline.
It’s a irritating replace for Astros followers, as Tucker had been unquestionably the membership’s finest hitter previous to the harm. In 262 journeys to the plate throughout 60 video games this yr, the 27-year-old was slashing an otherworldly .266/.395/.584 (172 wRC+) that made him one of many high bats in your entire sport on the time of his harm. In his absence, the Astros have turned their season round in an enormous approach with a 32-19 document because the begin of June thanks largely to sturdy offensive performances from previously-struggling gamers like Yainer Diaz and Alex Bregman. With extra of the Houston lineup contributing every day in current weeks, it’s straightforward to think about the return of Tucker offering the lineup with a further spark that would assist buoy the membership as they pursue their eighth consecutive look within the ALCS. In fact, even a return someday in September may give the younger star loads of time to arrange for a possible playoff run whereas nonetheless meaningfully contributing to video games down the stretch.
Extra from across the AL West:
- The Athletics provided a optimistic replace relating to injured nearer Mason Miller at present, as relayed by MLB.com’s Martín Gallegos. In line with Gallegos, Miller performed catch with out his forged at present as he rehabs from a fractured finger in his non-throwing hand. The following step for the righty is to throw a stay bullpen session in a simulated recreation on Monday. The 25-year-old phenom has grow to be considered one of league’s best-known relievers this yr by dominating to a 2.21 ERA with a 1.72 FIP in 40 2/3 innings of labor as Oakland’s nearer, a job that’s seen him rack up 15 saves. Miller final pitched on July 22 and was positioned on the IL a number of days later after fracturing his left pinkie finger within the membership’s coaching room. If that bullpen session goes effectively, it appears doable that the righty may be capable of skip a rehab task solely and return not lengthy after he’s first eligible to return off the shelf on August 7.
- Mariners followers acquired some unlucky information from down on the farm not too long ago as Ryan Divish of The Seattle Occasions stories that shortstop Felnin Celesten underwent season-ending surgical procedure to restore a preexisting hamate harm. Celesten, 18, is the membership’s #5 prospect in response to MLB Pipeline and was among the many high prospects of the 2023 class of worldwide amateurs. Signed out of the Dominican Republic to a $4.7MM bonus, Celesten is taken into account a high-floor prospect with a powerful defensive fame at shortstop and strong all-around instruments. In his first style of stateside ball this yr, Celesten slashed a superb .352/.431/.568 in 32 Arizona Complicated League video games earlier than being sidelined by harm. It appears probably he’ll get his first style of full-season ball generally subsequent yr as soon as he’s returned from rehab.
