Astros' Tucker leaves Monday's game in third inning

HOUSTON (SportsRadio 610) - Astros right fielder Kyle Tucker was forced to leave Monday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals in the third inning after fouling a ball off his right leg.

The ball caught Tucker square on his leg right above his shin guard. The Astros right fielder stayed down for a few minutes after manager Joe Espada and trainer Jeremiah Randall came out to check on him. He tried to finish the at bat, but shut it down after attempting to trot from the on deck circle to the batter's box.

Mauricio Dubón replaced Tucker in the Astros lineup.

Astros manager Joe Espada said after the game that Tucker suffered a right shin contusion and would be day-to-day, but added it was too early to determine if the Astros right fielder would be able to avoid an IL stint.

Tucker, who needed crutches to get around the Astros clubhouse Monday night, said X-rays on his shin came back negative.

Losing Tucker for any amount of time would be a major blow to an Astros team that entered the day eight games under .500.

Tucker has started 60-of-61 games this season, and entered the day tied for second in Major League Baseball with 19 home runs, with a .979 OPS, fifth best in the sport.