Astros' Kyle Tucker: Not yet running bases

Tucker (shin) took batting practice and was involved in outfield drills Monday, but manager Joe Espada said that the outfielder won't be close to heading out on a minor-league rehab assignment until he runs the bases, MLB.com reports.

Tucker remains limited to jogging for the time being while he recovers from a bone bruise in his right shin, which has kept him on the shelf since July 7. The Astros and fantasy managers alike had initially anticipated a brief absence for Tucker, but he's taken far longer than expected to heal from the shin injury and may now be trending toward a September return from the injured list. At the very least, managers shouldn't plan on Tucker being available for the start of the Astros' two-city road trip, which begins Thursday with a four-game set in Baltimore.