Bats Fall Silent, Astros Lose 6-1 To Rays

Not to overstate the obvious, but the Astros need Kyle Tucker back. Sooner rather than later would be great. While the lineup will have the occasional outburst — see the 20-run barrage from July 24 to July 27 — there are instances when the bats will go cold for a prolonged period. For example, since July 28, Houston has scored more than three runs in a game once, when they had five against the Pirates on July 30. Yes, Tucker won’t solve all of the woes about the lineup, especially once pitchers get past the top five or six hitters. But not having him back until (hopefully) late August or early September is a disappointing development. In a close division race, that isn’t optimal.

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