Houston right fielder Kyle Tucker departed Monday’s game against the visiting St. Louis Cardinals after fouling a pitch off his right leg in the bottom of the third inning.

Tucker hit a 2-1 sweeper from Cardinals right-hander Kyle Gibson just above his shin guard. He immediately crumpled to the ground and remained on his hands and knees for an extended period while being visited by Astros manager Joe Espada and medical personnel. After finally getting to his feet, Tucker attempted to put weight on the leg and donned his batting helmet before retreating to the home dugout and limping into the Astros clubhouse.

Tucker entered the night leading the American League in walk-to-strikeout ratio (1.12) and ranking second in walks (46) and tied for second home runs (19).

Mauricio Dubon pinch-hit for Tucker and worked a walk. Yordan Alvarez followed with a two-run home run that pulled the Astros to within 3-2.

Tucker, 27, was voted to the All-Star Game in 2022 and 2023, and was awarded an American League Gold Glove for right field in 2022 and an AL Silver Slugger for the outfield in 2023.

–Field Level Media