Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Kyle Tucker is undoubtedly going through a rough patch on the field, just about all season long at this point, but the Dodgers are sticking by him.
For the entire home series against the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Dodgers will start Kyle Tucker.
Given that Tucker is being paid $60 million this season, one would expect that to be guaranteed, but without a rhyme or reason, he is struggling to hit a home run, something that is widely known at this point.
At home, Tucker is hitting .189 with two home runs and 17 RBIs, while on the road, he is hitting .272 with nine home runs and 38 RBIs.
With his troubles in LA, manager Dave Roberts made the decision to sit Tucker for a game during their last series against the Brewers at Dodger Stadium.
Roberts noted that Tucker’s home troubles played a role in his choice, along with wanting to give Alex Call some reps.
Now, with the Dodgers returning from a successful road trip in Colorado, Roberts announced that Tucker will be starting the entire series against the Pirates.
Clearly, Roberts is trying to show his belief in Tucker, especially at a time when confidence is at an all-time low.
Rather than what some may think, Tucker is not taking things lying down.
Kyle Tucker’s trying to switch things up
For the first time since being a Dodger this season, Tucker went out ahead of the game and hit live batting practice.
He said he wants to see if it leads to success at the plate—getting good reads on baseballs at the stadium, where he will hit.
“I don’t know — I haven’t been hitting great this year, so I figured I’d try something else. Hopefully it helps,” Tucker said while taking a rare on-field batting practice.
“Just feel a good swing, try and find something that I can repeat with good ball flight, whether it’s hit the other way or pulled. Just try to do something like that and carry it over to the game.”
Tucker will get the chance to see firsthand whether his routine change paid off on Friday.
