Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
Kyle Tucker returned to the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup on Sunday after missing a week of Cactus League play to be with his wife, Samantha, who gave birth to the couple’s first child.
Tucker went 1-for-3 against the Athletics, which was his first game action since Feb. 28. He has gone 2-for-10 with four walks in five Spring Training games so far.
The Dodgers have less than two weeks remaining in Arizona before they return to Southern California for the Freeway Series, giving players only a few more opportunities to work on their game in an exhibition setting.
Tucker nevertheless, is confident he’ll get enough at-bats to prepare for the regular season, via Doug Padilla of the Southern California News Group:
“I’ll get plenty of (at-bats),” he said. “Whatever I kind of need, especially once the season starts creeping up on us, we’ll get those in.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts doesn’t believe Tucker needs much time to get ready, citing his veteran prowess and experience:
“From what I’ve gathered of talking to him and his coaches before, he doesn’t need a lot to get ready,” Roberts said. “It was good to see him get a hit (Sunday). … I still think we have plenty of time to get him ready to go.”
Tucker is entering his first season with the Dodgers after signing a four-year, $240 million contract during the offseason. He joined a star-studded group that includes former MVP winners Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, as well as fellow All-Stars Will Smith, Max Muncy and Teoscar Hernández.
Tucker hit .266/.377/.464 with 22 homers and 73 RBI in 136 games for the Chicago Cubs last season, earning a fourth consecutive All-Star selection and second career Silver Slugger Award.
Tucker is expected play right field and bat second in the Dodgers lineup this season. Roberts previously praised Tucker’s five-tool ability and believes he can emerge as a National League MVP candidate in 2026.
Kyle Tucker ‘trying to do my part’ with Dodgers
Despite briefly stepping away from the Dodgers at the start of March, Tucker has blended in well with his teammates so far and said he is trying to do his part to help the organization win its third consecutive World Series
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