Just in case the Philadelphia Phillies needed more bulletin-board material, Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker just gave it to them.
The World Series starts on Friday night with Justin Verlander on the bump for Houston, and Aaron Nola opposing him. Houston is favored to win the game and series, as it should be considering they have yet to lose this postseason.
So, with that in mind, it’s tough to blame Kyle Tucker for being confident. The 25-year-old right fielder was asked about his thoughts going into Game 1 — he hopes the series ends with yet another Houston sweep.
“Get it out of the way early.”
If you think Bryce Harper and Co. don’t have Tucker’s quote fresh on their minds entering Game 1, then you don’t know a thing about this Phillies team. This is the sort of content they thrive on.
Astros: Kyle Tucker gives Phillies bulletin-board material
As for Bryce Harper, he really has been the Phils Mr. October, as he carries a double-digit hit streak into Friday night’s game. Even Reggie Jackson, the great Yankees postseason hero, must admit he’s impressed.
But is Harper the new Mr. October? Not so fast.
“I haven’t seen him play a lot in person, maybe a little bit in spring training,” Jackson said. “But this is different, this is when it counts. I’m looking forward to seeing him play. He’s a special player.”
Kyle Tucker must run on JT Realmuto
Tucker’s most intriguing matchup will come not at the plate, but on the basepaths. Tucker is arguably Houston’s most prominent threat on the bases, as he stole 25 of 29 attempts on the season.
Basestealing is a lost art in a sense, but Tucker has the speed to change a game when necessary. JT Realmuto, the Phils catcher, is one of the best in baseball at his position. He’s thrown out 44 percent of runners who dare steal on him.