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Aledmys Díaz replaces Kyle Tucker in right field against Yankees

Houston Astros right fielder Kyle Tucker (right) celebrates with left fielder Aledmys Diaz (16) after hitting a solo home run during the second inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium.
Houston Astros right fielder Kyle Tucker (right) celebrates with left fielder Aledmys Diaz (16) after hitting a solo home run during the second inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium.
Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

(SportsRadio 610) -- Aledmys Díaz is replacing Kyle Tucker in right field Wednesday against the New York Yankees.

Díaz, who is valued for his defensive versatility, is making his first Major League start in right for the struggling Tucker.


After going 0-for-3 in the Astros' series opener against the Yankees on Tuesday, Tucker's batting average is down to .183, though he is one of the team's top run producers with 15 RBI.

Tucker's on-base percentage is down to .241 and he's slugging just .356.

When asked about the move, manager Dusty Baker said it was a good time to give Tucker a break.

"Kyle was hitting the ball great, and then the last few games, he's been struggling," Baker said. "I think today's a day to work, get some work in. Kyle will probably be in the game later. What presents a problem is they have four left-handers out there (pitching). ...

"Just trying to get as much offense as we can here. And this right field would probably be easier to play than any other right field because it's so short."

Diaz will bat seventh Wednesday between Yuli Gurriel and Myles Straw.

Baker has said in the past Tucker internalizes poor performance a lot, but downplayed the outfielder's body language and frustration.

Still, the Astros expect a lot from Tucker after his breakout performance in the shortened 2020 season and replacing Josh Reddick as the every day right fielder.