Astros' Tucker fractured shin in June
Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker has been dealing with a fractured shin after fouling a ball off his right leg June 3, according to The Athletic's Chandler Rome.
The Astros originally characterized Tucker's injury as a shin contusion.
"After several rounds of medical imaging, we suspect there was some type of small fracture," Astros general manager Dana Brown said in a statement to Rome on Monday. "As with all injuries of this type, once the fracture heals, it takes time for the muscles around the leg to regain strength. Tuck has worked extremely hard to get back on the field and, thankfully, is ready now to help us in September and in the postseason."
Tucker, who took batting practice over the weekend as he continues to progress in his recovery, confirmed the initial imaging didn't provide a lot of clarity.
"Came up with a lot of inflammation and swelling in the general area," Tucker said, according to Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle. "And then after a little bit of time and continued imaging after swelling and everything kind of calmed down, it was revealed there was a little fracture in my shin."
The 27-year-old was in the midst of a strong offensive season before the injury, hitting 19 home runs with 40 RBIs and a .979 OPS with 10 stolen bases across 60 games.