Astros recall outfielder Preston Tucker

Many expected Alex Bregman to be the one to get the call on Friday after he and Kevin Chapman had been dropping hints this week he would be. Instead, it was outfielder Preston Tucker called when the team optioned A.J. Reed yesterday.

Preston Tucker says he's been called up by the #Astros

— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) July 22, 2016

Tucker, 26,  batted .243 (73x300) with 19 doubles, 13 home runs, and 33 RBIs in 98 games last season. He started 2016 on the opening day roster but couldn't find playing time. When Tucker did get in the lineup, he was struggling at the plate -- he batted .176 (15x85) with three home runs and five RBIs in 33 games.

Tucker has found his groove again in Triple-A, He's batting .301 (63x209) with 14 doubles, three triples, eight home runs and 29 RBIs in 53 games.

The Astros must think Evan Gattis won't be sidelined with his hand injury, or it could have been expected to see Max Stassi come up to back up Jason Castro. Since it is Tucker, I expected him to take some days at designated hitter and left field for the struggling Colby Rasmus.