Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Kyle Tucker broke his long stretch of poor results at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, coming through with a huge hit which proved to be the game-winner against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
After falling behind 3-0, the Dodgers clawed themselves within one run of the Pirates through RBI singles from Teoscar Hernandez and Alek Thomas in the fourth. Tucker stepped up in the fifth inning with runners on second and third, hitting a two-run single to right field to give the Dodgers the lead.
LA held onto the lead for the remainder of the game, winning their fifth game in a row.
“I haven’t had a hit in the last 3 home stands,” Tucker said. “I don’t keep up with stats like that. I just go out there and take the next AB and try to have a good quality AB. Whether it’s working a long at-bat or drawing a walk, getting ahead, moving guys over. I just try and go up there and have a good at-bat regardless.”
Tucker also took note of the support from Dodger fans, saying they’ve done their part during his rough spell.
“It’s nice, they come out and support us every single day… they’ve been doing their part,” Tucker said. “We try to go out there & win games. I’m just trying to do my part.”
How Has Kyle Tucker Performed This Year?
The Dodgers signed Tucker to a four-year, $240 million deal last offseason, but he’s yet to live up to the expectations which came with his deal. On the year, Tucker has 11 homers and 57 RBIs through 122 games, posting -0.1 bWAR on the year.
He has a .230/.325/.363 slash line, bringing his OPS to .688—his worst in any season when he has played 50 or more games. Prior to Saturday, Tucker had an 0-for-26 streak at home.
Tucker has struggled at Dodger Stadium much more than anywhere else, as he only has a .550 OPS with two homers when he plays in front of the home fans. Tucker will hope to continue contributing to the Dodgers following his big knock on Saturday, and will start in right field once again Sunday in their 1:10 p.m. PT game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
