Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
Kyle Tucker playing well below expectations has been a season-long issue but he’s received renewed attention recently with the Los Angeles Dodgers keeping him out of the lineup a couple of times during their last homestand.
The decision to sit Tucker was influenced by his struggle to produce at Dodger Stadium. He has drastic splits at home compared to modest improvement in road games.
While Tucker is going through this difficult period at the plate, he has the full backing of his teammates.
“Kyle is a player who’s been through it in the past and I’m completely positive he’s a guy who is one swing away from turning things around. He’s never going to stop trying, he’s always going to show up and do what’s best for the team,” Miguel Rojas said.
“We’re looking forward to him enjoying himself a little bit more in October. We all know with one swing of the bat, with one big play, you can change the narrative of everything. The year is not over yet, so we’ve got to continue to play and he has another month and a half to play really good baseball and create some momentum going into October.
“I’m here for him. As a teammate, that’s the only thing you can do.”
During his introductory press conference back in January, Tucker offered a glimpse into his mindset as an individual and teammate. He said his personal motto is to always try to do his best day-to-day regardless of how he feels or what the situation is.
Tucker went on to explain the way he ingratiates himself with his organization is by doing the little things and showing that you are a hard worker throughout the season.
“The message is the same, man. Nobody has doubted him. Everybody struggles at some point,” Kiké Hernández said. “Some’s struggles last longer than others, but for him, it’s all about one at-bat. I’m pretty confident he’s one at-bat away from getting out of it and staying hot for the end of the season.
“It doesn’t matter what season you have, if you have a great October and help win a World Series, it’s a good season in my opinion.”
August has been Tucker’s worst month yet, as he has batted .203/.286/.333 with one double and two home runs. The regular season is closing in on its final month before the Dodgers’ margin for error in each game increases exponentially.
Kyle Tucker takes batting practice
Tucker joined his teammates in taking batting practice on the field on Friday, something he has never done at home or on the road this season. Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman have also historically skipped out on-field BP.
Embracing the change was lauded by Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.
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