Astros outfielder has been on the injured list due to a right shin contusion for nearly two months now, but it doesnt appear as though hes likely to join the clubs lineup anytime soon as they attempt to pull away from the Mariners in a tight race for the AL West crown. As manager Joe Espada told reporters (including ) earlier today, the club is not yet certain if Tucker will be able to contribute in the majors at any point in the month of August. Espada described the situation with Tucker as a day-to-day situation, adding that while its a po sibility he could play at some point this month it would be too aggre sive for him to commit to that timeline. Its a frustrating update for Astros fans, as Tucker had been without a doubt the clubs best hitter prior to the injury. In 262 trips to the plate acro s 60 games this year, the 27-year-old was slashing an otherworldly .266/.395/.584 (172 wRC+) that made him one of the top bats in the entire sport at the time of his injury. In his absence, the Astros have turned their season around in a big way with a 32-19 record since the start of June thanks in large part Dickie Moore Jersey to strong offensive performances from previously-struggling players like and . With more of the Houston lineup contributing on a daily basis in recent weeks, its easy to imagine the return of Tucker providing the lineup with an additional spark that could help buoy the club as they pursue their eighth consecutive appearance in the ALCS. Of course, even a return sometime in September could give the young star plenty of time to prepare for a potential playoff run while still meaningfully contributing to games down the stretch. More from around the AL West: The Athletics offered a positive update regarding injured closer today, as relayed by . According to Gallegos, Miller played catch without his cast today as he rehabs from a in his non-throwing hand. The next step for the righty is to throw a live bullpen se sion in a simulated game on Monday. The 25-year-old phenom has become one of leagues best-known relievers this year by dominating to a 2.21 ERA with a 1.72 FIP in 40 2/3 innings of work as Oaklands closer, a role thats seen him rack up 15 saves. Miller last pitched on July 22 and was placed on the IL a few days later after fracturing his left pinkie finger in the clubs training room. If that bullpen se sion goes well, it seems po sible that the righty might be able to skip a rehab a signment entirely and return not long after hes first eligible to come off the shelf on August 7. Mariners fans received some unfortunate news from down on the farm recently as reports that shortstop underwent season-ending surgery to repair a preexisting hamate injury. Celesten, 18, is the clubs #5 prospect and was among the top prospects of the 2023 cla s of international amateurs. Signed out of the Dominican Republic to a $4.7MM bonus, Celesten is considered a high-floor prospect with a strong defensive reputation at shortstop and solid all-around tools. In his first taste of stateside ball this year, Celesten slashed an excellent .352/.431/.568 in 32 Arizona Complex League games before being sidelined by injury. It seems likely hell get his first taste of full-season ball sometimes next year once hes returned from rehab. Joshua Roy Jersey