Joe Espada: Astros 'Still Monitoring' Kyle Tucker's Volume In Right Field

Houston Astros manager Joe Espada joins The Matt Thomas Show following Monday's 3-1 road loss to the San Diego Padres.

Spencer Arrighetti opened up the three-game series for the Astros, giving up eight hits and two runs while recording his second-highest pitch total this year at 102 pitches. Arrighetti battled on the mound as the Padres "put the bat on the ball" and fouled off 29 pitches. "They grind at-bats," Espada said.

The Astros have dealt with missed calls from umpires as of late, fueling the conversation to add a challenge system to the game. "It's very frustrating" to have bats taken away, so "I am open for" a challenge system.

Outfielder Ben Gamel has been placed on the 10-day injured list after suffering a left knee contusion Saturday. Gamel going on the IL "puts us in a tough spot in the outfield."

However, Kyle Tucker will be in right field Tuesday. "We are really, really close" to Tucker being 100%, but the Astros are "still monitoring his volume."

Espada also talks about Jake Meyers working on his timing, Yainer Diaz playing more at first base, Hunter Brown's preparation for Tuesday's matchup and staying with the six-man rotation for now.