The Houston Astros are potentially playing a risky game with All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker by hastening his comeback.
Following a rocky start to the 2024 MLB season, the Houston Astros have recovered impressively. After slipping as many as 12 games below.500 in May, the club is now in complete control of its playoff destiny.
According to Baseball Reference, Houston has a 95.5 percent chance of making the postseason and a 94.4 percent chance of winning the American League West. Despite the absence of All-Star slugger Kyle Tucker, who has been out since June 3 due to a shin contusion, they have impressively turned things around. But, based on recent statements from Astros general manager Dana Brown, the veteran outfielder could return sooner rather than later.
According to Chandler Rome of The Athletic ($), Tucker might return to Houston’s lineup “during the first week of September.” However, the Astros executive said that the 27-year-old is being pushed back into action, which could be cause for concern.
Astros could shoot themselves in the foot by rushing Kyle Tucker back from injury
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Tucker is at the point in his recuperation “where you have to push it a little harder and see how it goes,” Brown says via Rome. Does that sound like someone who’s ready to join a hot Astros club seeking to build on their impressive turnaround and second-half run?
Furthermore, Rome cites Brown as saying Tucker “will have to manage” some pain when he eventually returns, implying he won’t be fully recovered. Given his enormous contribution to the Astros, it’s understandable that they want him back as quickly as possible. Nevertheless, they should not let their recent achievement hasten his recovery.
Houston is firmly in position to win the division title. Why not give Tucker as much time as possible to ensure he’s completely healthy? It seems irrational to rush his rehabilitation only to risk him getting harmed again.
Tucker batted before being placed on the 60-day disabled list in July.266/.395/.584, with 19 home runs and 40 RBI. Regardless of whether the Astros rush him back, his presence in the middle of Houston’s hitting order will be welcomed.
