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

Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker (shin) was transferred to the 60-day injured list on Tuesday. This procedural move doesn't alter Tucker's timeline for a return from a right shin contusion, but it's been a frustratingly lengthy absence since early June for the Astros and fantasy managers to say the least. The 27-year-old All-Star slugger was slashing an MVP-caliber .266/.395/.584 with 19 home runs, 40 RBI, 42 runs scored, and 10 stolen bases across 214 at-bats before heading to the IL, and he should be back to help Houston at some point in August, depending on when he moves on to a minor-league rehab assignment. With corner outfielder and top prospect Joey Loperfido on the move north of the border to the Toronto Blue Jays ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline in the Yusei Kikuchi deal, Trey Cabbage should see the lion's share of work in right field until Tucker is finally ready to make his long-awaited return.

Houston Astros manager Joe Espada said that outfielder Kyle Tucker (shin) is doing some work in the outfield prior to Friday's contest against the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers. Tucker is "improving but not at the pace we would want him to." Fantasy managers have been extremely disappointed with the fact that Tucker remains on the 10-day injured list despite suffering a right-shin contusion way back in early June. While the 27-year-old left-handed slugger is expected to return before September, he's running out of time to make a significant impact in fantasy the rest of the way. Tucker continues to do baseball activities, but his final hurdle will be running the bases at full speed. When healthy, he's one of the most valuable fantasy players in the game, so he needs to remain stashed everywhere.

The Houston Astros are optimistic that outfielder Kyle Tucker (shin) will be back before September. "I'd be really disappointed if it was September but we're optimistic that it'll be before September," general manager Dana Brown said on Tucker's timeline. It's been a bit of a mystery as to why Tucker still hasn't returned after fouling a ball off his shin in early June. The 27-year-old didn't suffer a fractured leg, but is instead dealing with a right-shin contusion. While he has been increasing his baseball activities since the All-Star break last week, Tucker still doesn't have full strength back in his leg and has yet to begin a minor-league rehab assignment. The last hurdle for the All-Star outfielder will be running the bases. Fantasy managers must continue to be patient and keep him stashed in all leagues. Until Tucker returns, Trey Cabbage and Chas McCormick will split time in right field.

Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker (shin) was able to participate in what the team is describing as "intense defensive drills" on Saturday, a big step in his recovery from fouling a ball off his shin in early June. Tucker still hasn't performed any hitting activities, but his ability to participate in anything intense should feel like a big step forward. The 27-year-old was in the midst of an MVP caliber season before being sidelined. In his absence, the Astros have also worked their way back into a tie for the AL West lead with the Seattle Mariners as of Saturday morning, giving the lefty a little extra time to heal up as a playoff appearance looks much more likely than it did in early June. Given that Tucker has yet to participate in any batting activities, don't play on him being active until some point in September. Fantasy managers that need outfield help should look towards Jake Meyers and Joey Loperfido, though both have been having a subpar July.

Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker (shin) fouled a pitch off his right shin on June 3 and is still walking with a slight limp. As of Sunday morning, he had only resumed light, on-field baseball activities that did not include hitting. "I can't do everything normally right now," Tucker said. The Astros have described Tucker's injury as a "right-shin contusion," with both general manager Dana Brown and manager Joe Espada terming it a "bone bruise." Tucker said there have been multiple rounds of imaging done on his leg, none of which showed anything more serious than what the team has described. If Tucker can't start a minor-league rehab assignment within the next week, his chances of returning before Aug. 1 diminish. It's also worth wondering if this is an injury that Tucker will have to manage when he returns and if it will affect his production. All fantasy managers can do is stay patient.UPDATE: Brown said there's no timetable for Tucker's return, and he will definitely need some time in the minors on a rehab assignment.