Kyle Tucker's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker is absent from the starting lineup ahead of Wednesday's game against the San Diego Padres. The Astros have been extremely careful with Tucker since his return from a shin fracture. He has already been absent from the lineup a handful of times since returning a few weeks ago. The good news is that Tucker has moved back to the outfield after being limited to the designated hitter spot when he first returned. In his absence, Jason Heyward will cover right field and bat seventh versus right-hander Dylan Cease. Heyward is slashing .235/.278/.441 with six RBI since joining the Astros roster in late-August. He'll be an avoidable streaming option against a elite arm in Cease.

Houston Astros manager Joe Espada said on Thursday that outfielder Kyle Tucker (shin) should play right field in Friday's series opener against the Los Angeles Angels on the road for the first time since coming off the 60-day injured list last Friday. Tucker has been serving as the team's designated hitter since returning last week and has struggled at the plate, going 2-for-11 with two RBI, two walks and four strikeouts in his first four games back. It's good news that he'll be moving back to a defensive role this weekend, as it shows he hasn't had any setbacks after recovering from a fractured shin that kept him out since early June. While the 27-year-old left-handed slugger has looked a bit rusty offensively, he still has time to be a difference-maker for both the Astros and fantasy managers down the stretch in the final few weeks of the regular season.

Houston Astros outfielders Kyle Tucker and Chas McCormick will head to the bench on Wednesday at Minute Maid Park against the visiting Oakland Athletics. The Astros are being careful to ease Tucker back into action after he returned last Friday from a lengthy stint on the injured list due to a fractured shin that he sustained in early June. With Tucker and McCormick both out, Ben Gamel is starting in right field and batting seventh, while Mauricio Dubon draws into left field and is hitting ninth against A's right-hander Joey Estes. Tucker is one of the best all-around hitters in baseball, but he has struggled at the plate in his three games back, picking up only one hit in 10 at-bats with an RBI, two walks and four strikeouts over the weekend. So far, the 27-year-old has only served as a designated hitter and has yet to start in right field.