Astros: Kyle Tucker falls to IL due to health and safety protocol

Astros’ Kyle Tucker falls to the injured list due to health and safety protocol.

After smashing his first grand slam of his career for the Houston Astros on Friday, Kyle Tucker was placed on the injured list due to health and safety protocol, as reported by Brian McTaggart. The left-hander has been a crucial piece in the lineup, as his bat and glove have accounted for 3.5 WAR this season.

While in Los Angeles, the Astros are expected to activate Yuli Gurriel and place him in the lineup for the first time since hitting the shelf with neck stiffness. Gurriel’s 26-man roster spot would be filling Tucker’s, as no 40-man move will be required.

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With Tucker on the IL due to health and safety protocol, a 40-man spot can open, even if he didn’t test positive for COVID-19 or not.

The left-hander has slashed .272/.334/.519 in 103 games this season, while totaling 22 home runs and 11 stolen bases on 12 attempts. Tucker is providing in every category, even defensively with five defensive runs saved.

Now, the Astros could look to more of Taylor Jones and Jake Meyers in left field, as Michael Brantley could shift over to right. There is a slew of possibilities the organization could turn to, as Yordan Alvarez can also play left field for the next couple days.

For Alex Bregman, the third baseman is still out of the Sugar Land Skeeters lineup and is unsure if he will return for Sunday’s contest. The right-hander is set to begin his second 20-day rehab assignment in Triple-A.