Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a right shin bruise.
Tucker, who is currently tied for second with the Baltimore Orioles’ Gunnar Henderson with 19 home runs, was seen on crutches following the Astros’ 7-1 win over the Los Angeles Angels on Friday.
The injury occurred when Tucker fouled off a throw with his right leg during Monday’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals.
“He’s just not progressing as quickly as we thought and we just need an extra man on the bench to help us,” Astros manager Joe Espada said. “We don’t want to rush him. We want to make sure that when he comes back he’s completely healthy. We just want to bring in a fresh body.”
Tucker’s stay on the IL is retroactive to Tuesday, meaning the earliest he could rejoin the team is June 14, when the Astros begin a three-game homestand against the Detroit Tigers.
At the time of Tucker’s placement on the IL, he was fourth in MLB in OPS (.979), second in walks (46), and third in slugging percentage (.584).
Tucker’s injury only adds to the problems that have plagued the Astros this season. Starting pitchers Cristian Javier and José Urquidy underwent Tommy John surgery this week and will miss the rest of the season.
Both are expected to return during the 2025 season.