Astros Manager Joe Espada: Kyle Tucker Is 'A Few Weeks Away' From Return

Houston Astros manager Joe Espada joins The Matt Thomas Show following Monday's 3-1 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays.

Hunter Brown gave up two hits and three walks while recording five strikeouts in six shutout innings to continue his recent hot streak. Brown "stepped up big time" and has "really turned a corner when it comes to his preparation," Espada said.

The Astros only have four healthy starting pitchers and had to look to the bullpen for Sunday's 10-5 win over the New York Mets. Shawn Dubin started on the mound and could be "an option to start that first game in Minnesota."

Justin Verlander has been on the injured list since June 18 and has just begun throwing "light catch," while Kyle Tucker is still "a few weeks away from seeing" the field. "When they show up, we need them to be healthy...we can't have setbacks," Espada said.

Espada also discusses Jose Altuve getting ejected Sunday and Spencer Arrighetti taking the mound for the second of a four-game series against the Blue Jays on Tuesday.