Astros place Tucker on injured list

August 15th, 2021

ANAHEIM -- Astros outfielder , who clubbed his first career grand slam in Friday’s win over the Angels, landed on the injured list Saturday due to health and safety protocols. Astros manager Dusty Baker offered no further update on Tucker’s condition or when he will return.

Tucker hits the IL as the Astros activated starting first baseman Yuli Gurriel, who had been out since Aug. 1 with neck stiffness. Gurriel was in the lineup Saturday, with rookie Jake Meyers starting in right field in place of Tucker. There is no minimum amount of time a player must stay on the COVID IL before he can be activated.

This is the second IL stint for health and safety reasons for Tucker, who missed seven games in June for an illness that wasn’t COVID-related. Left-handed pitcher Brooks Raley and shortstop Carlos Correa were on the COVID IL in July. In April, the Astros had five players land on the COVID IL, including designated hitter Yordan Alvarez twice.

“I hear a lot of people talking about the White Sox losing people, but we’ve lost a number of key players throughout the course of the year,” Baker said. “These guys, I’m proud of them for how they’ve fought and fought. Even though we’re having a good year, it’s been tough.”

Tucker is hitting .272 with 22 homers and 71 RBIs, which is second on the team behind Alvarez (74). Since May 9, Tucker is slashing .314/.375/.595 with 21 doubles, 17 homers and 55 RBIs.