Astros continue to develop Kyle Tucker at first base

PHOTOS: Astros game-by-game Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker (3) heads toward the fields to start the first full-squad practice at Fitteam Ballpark of The Palm Beaches on Monday, Feb. 18, 2019, in West Palm Beach. Browse through the photos to see how the Astros have fared in each game this season. less PHOTOS: Astros game-by-game Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker (3) heads toward the fields to start the first full-squad practice at Fitteam Ballpark of The Palm Beaches on Monday, Feb. 18, 2019, in West ... more Photo: Yi-Chin Lee/Staff Photographer Photo: Yi-Chin Lee/Staff Photographer Image 1 of / 245 Caption Close Astros continue to develop Kyle Tucker at first base 1 / 245 Back to Gallery

BALTIMORE — More first base is in Kyle Tucker's future.

The Astros' top prospect made his sixth start at first base for Class AAA Round Rock on Saturday, the same day general manager Jeff Luhnow acknowledged that both Tucker and Yordan Álvarez will be more heavily exposed there this offseason.

"We'd like that to be options for next year," Luhnow said. "It would be helpful if both of those guys were playable at first base, it gives A.J. (Hinch) some more options and gives us several more options in trying to form the team next year."

Tucker made his first professional start at first base on July 18. He entered Saturday's game without an error in 50 chances.

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Though he saw sporadic time there during spring training, Álvarez has not seen any major league time at first base. He started just nine of his 56 minor league games at first before being called up. Álvarez is hit ground balls every so often, but most of his side work during the season is focused in left field.

Álvarez's absurd April allowed him to pass Tucker on the organizational pecking order. As a result, Tucker seems set in Class AAA until rosters expand in September. Luhnow intimated that when Tucker does come up, he will only see action at first base if Houston is playing a game with no playoff or standing implication.

Tucker entered Saturday's game with a .923 OPS and 30 home runs with the Express.

"I'm impressed by how he has just continued to go out there, compete and played well. He hasn't had his agent call me, ask 'When am I getting called up?," Luhnow said. "He knows our situation. He knows this team is playing well and we have a full outfield. He also knows September is right around the corner."

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