Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker has a fractured shin, which is a contrasting report from what the club had originally coined the injury as.
Until Monday morning, Tucker either had a deep bruise of the bone or a shin contusion.
Astros general manager Dana Brown gave The Athletic a different diagnosis.
“After several rounds of medical imaging, we suspect there was some type of small fracture,” Brown said. “As with all injuries of this type, once the fracture heals it takes time for the muscles around the leg to regain strength. Tuck has worked extremely hard to get back on the field and thankfully is ready now to help us in September and in the postseason.”
HOUSTON, TEXAS – MAY 13: Jose Altuve #27 of the Houston Astros celebrates with Kyle Tucker #30 and Jake Meyers #6 after the game against the Oakland Athletics at Minute Maid Park on May 13, 2024 in Houston, Texas. Tucker has a shin fracture.
Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images
The shin fracture caused Tucker to miss almost three months of the season. Prior to his injury, Tucker had a standout two months for the Astros.
Tucker’s .979 OPS was fourth in MLB before he was placed on the injured list.
On June 3, the outfielder fouled a ball off his right leg in a game against the St. Louis Cardinals.
“It’s definitely coming along and coming along pretty quick now,” Tucker told MLB.com. “I still got some boxes to check before I get out there. I’m trying to do that as quick, as fast as possible while also being smart with it. I’m pretty happy with how the last week and last couple of days have gone. I’m going to try to build up to do as much as possible in terms of playing every single day. Try and get back into baseball shape and being able to go out there, not just for one game or two games, but for the rest of the season, and try to stay healthy.
“Hitting-wise I feel good, and feel confident [in] how I can go out there and compete and take my at-bats,” Tucker continued. “But also, got to think you’ve got to run the bases after you hit the ball. If I’m not trying to beat out an infield single or get a hustle double or anything right now, I think I’ll be fine on a single jogging down to first, or a homer or a walk or whatever. There’s a lot of other things that require you to instinctively take off and compete.”
Tucker’s 91-day absence is coming to a close. The outfielder has taken live batting practice off minor-league pitchers and has already participated in outfield defensive drills.
“I’ve been pretty much doing everything I can to try and get back on the field and try and do it as fast as I can,” Tucker said. “It probably takes a little longer than I’m probably going to want to do, but it’s coming up on the end of the season and I’m going to try and push it.”
Tucker is slated to return as soon as Wednesday or Thursday.
