With Yordan Alvarez (undisclosed) unlikely to be ready for Opening Day, Tucker has emerged as one of the players that will receive playing time as the designated hitter, Alyson Footer of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Tucker, a highly regarded prospect and defensively sound outfielder, doesn't profile as a DH, but he currently doesn't have a path to consistent playing time in 2020. Josh Reddick is blocking him in right field. Tucker's first exposure to MLB in 2018 did not go well, but his second time around in 2019 was considerably better, and he feels he can handle the routine of being the DH.

Tucker will likely back up Josh Reddick in right field to start the season, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Houston manager Dusty Baker said Tucker is the future while Reddick remains the present. After a poor showing in his major league debut in 2018, Tucker showed off last September when he hit .269 with four home runs and 11 RBI, which earned him a spot on the playoff roster. If Tucker doesn't emerge as the starter in 2020, he likely will in 2021 as this season is the final one of Reddick's four-year contract.

Tucker has eight hits in his last 13 at-bats after going 0-for-16 to start Grapefruit League play.

EDGE Analysis

Tucker played first base in Wednesday's game against the Nationals and handled himself well. He played some first base in 2019 but would be an emergency option during the 2020 season. Tucker's primary path to playing time is to out-perform Josh Reddick in right field or assume the designated hitter spot should Yordan Alvarez's knee woes persist.

Tucker will start at first base and bat cleanup Wednesday in the Astros' Grapefruit League game against the Nationals, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Though the 23-year-old is expected to begin the season as Houston's fourth outfielder and see most of his action at either of the corner spots throughout the campaign, Tucker began fielding grounders at first base Tuesday as he aims to increase his versatility off the bench. Tucker likely isn't being viewed as the top backup at first base, with utility man Aledmys Diaz representing a more likely candidate to draw starts at the position when Yuli Gurriel needs a day off.

Tucker is hitless in 16 spring at-bats, but Astros manager Dusty Baker sees signs that his swing is coming around, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 6-foot-4 Tucker has a long swing from the left side of the plate, and Baker points out the long-lever guys take a little longer to get their timing down. The manager believes there's still plenty of time for Tucker to get his timing down in time for Opening Day. He currently leads the Astros with 16 spring at-bats. At present, there isn't a starting job for Tucker, but he will push Josh Reddick in right field.

Tucker went 0-for-1 with a walk and was caught stealing in Saturday's spring game against the Mets.

EDGE Analysis

Tucker is now hitless in 13 spring plate appearances. He had a modicum of success in a September callup last season, but the 22-year-old outfielder with a sterling minor-league resume does not have an everyday gig lined up in Houston. With nearly 1,000 plate appearances at Triple-A, there's nothing left for Tucker to prove in the minors, so it becomes manager Dusty Baker's challenge to find ways to get his bat in the lineup.

Tucker is in the lineup for Game 1 of the ALCS against the Yankees on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Tucker was told that he would start Saturday's game Friday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports. Josh Reddick is on the bench Saturday after going 1-for-10 over four postseason games. Given Reddick's struggles at the plate, Tucker could see an increased role in the ALCS.

Tucker will start in right field and bat eighth for Game 2 of the American League Division Series against the Rays on Saturday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Tucker will make his first start of the postseason in right field Saturday after hitting .269/.319/.537 with four home runs in 22 games this year. Josh Reddick will receive the night off.

Tucker will be part of the Astros' ALDS roster.

EDGE Analysis

Tucker gave a glimpse of his talent in 72 plate appearances this season, hitting .269/.319/.537. The Astros' deep outfield likely means he'll be stuck in a bench role for most of the playoffs, however.

Tucker went 1-for-6 with a solo home run in a loss to the Angels on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Tucker drilled a homer to right field in the fourth inning to plate the Astros' first run of the game. The remainder of the contest was a struggle for the 22-year-old, however, as he struck out four times and committed an error in the 12th inning that allowed the winning run to cross the plate. Tucker is making his case to be included on the postseason roster by posting a .290/.323/.581 slash line with four homers and 11 RBI in 19 games this season.