Astros: Kyle Tucker continues to silence the early season critics

Kyle Tucker continues hot streak, while the Astros offense is struggling to score.

Kyle Tucker snapped a six-game hitting streak when the Houston Astros got shut out against the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday, last week. During that stretch, Tucker slashed .417/.400/.583 with ten hits, two RBI in and a stolen base in 28 at-bats. If you thought he was due for a little regression after his hot streak, you were wrong.

The left-hander has picked up right where he left off in the weekend series against the San Diego Padres. Tucker had two hits in three at bats that included a home run, two runs scored, two RBIs, and a walk in the 6-3 over the San Diego Padres on Friday evening.

Tucker drew a walk in the fourth inning and scored on a three-run homer run by Carlos Correa. Then he proceeded to add a base hit in the sixth inning. Finally, to cap off his great night at the plate, Tucker broke a 3-3 tie with a two-run homer to right field off of Emilio Pagan in the eighth inning, which would lead to the eventual Astros 6-3 victory over the Padres.

During game two against the Padres on Saturday night, Tucker continued his hot streak. He finished the night two-for-four, with his 23rd home run of the season, a double, an RBI and a run-scored. While the Astros didn’t ultimately win the game, Tucker still did his part to ensure the offense got on the board.

Tucker has quietly put together a marvelous season. According to FanGraphs, the left-hander is sitting at 10th in the league in offensive runs above average. In the American League, he’s ranked ninth in slugging percentage, 14th in stole bases and 16th in batting average, just to name a few.

Going into Sunday’s Padres game, the 24-year-old outfielder has put together a slash line featuring .281/.339/.531 with 24 homers, 76 runs-batted-in and 12 steals across 459 plate appearances.

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The amazing things is that Kyle Tucker is performing in spite of some bad luck. He is currently sport an expected batting average of .308, expected slugging of .585

It might be a little over-the top to say that Tucker has played himself into the AL MVP debates. However, he is certainly standing just outside the door to that race.

After spending two separate stints on the injured list due to COVID-19 health and safety protocols this season, one couldn’t help to wonder where his numbers would be with those extra at-bats.

I’ve seen fans discussing Tucker’s lack of national recognition. I can certainly understand that frustration. With Kyle Tucker playing amongst some very established stars, there is not a ton of spot light left. What will really elevate his name is a big time post-season performance or a hot start to next season.

Looking to further distance themselves from AL West foes, Tucker and the Astros will head home to face off against the Mariners for a three-game series starting on Monday at 6:10 p.m.