Before the start of their three-game series on Friday, both Houston and Arizona welcomed back one injured All-Star player. Right fielder Kyle Tucker returned to the Astros, while Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte was activated from the injured list.
Tucker had been out since June 3 with a fractured right shin caused by a foul ball. While he has not fully healed, he was added to the lineup as the designated hitter on Friday night before taking the field.
“It’s just kind of day to day to see how he feels,” Houston manager Joe Espada said. “But it’s not going to be like pencil him in days in a row, we’re just going to have to wait and see how he feels.”
When asked about Tucker’s outfield performance, Espada said, “Defensively, we don’t know yet until he goes out there, but running, you’ll see 75-80%.”
Tucker had been performing well prior to his injury, with 11 doubles, 19 home runs, and 40 RBIs in 60 games.
Marte, who was also in the lineup as the designated hitter on Friday, spent less time on the injured list. He had been out since August 18 with a sprained left ankle.
“He’s looking great, and we’re really excited about how hard he worked to make this day happen,” Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said.
“He’s one of the finest players in the National League, so having him in our clubhouse, dugout, and lineup benefits all of us, including himself. And I know he’s thrilled to be back.”
Marte, according to Lovullo, will start as the designated hitter before returning to second base. Prior to his injury, Marte was hitting.298 with 30 home runs and 81 RBIs.
To make room for Marte, outfielder Jorge Barrosa was sent to Triple-A Reno on Thursday.
When Tucker was reinstated from the 60-day disabled list, Houston optioned infielder Zach Dezenzo to Triple-A Sugar Land and designated left-handed pitcher Parker Mushinski for assignment.
