Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Kyle Tucker exited the Dodgers’ first game of a three-game series against the Minnesota Twins on Monday.
Tucker came up to bat in the second inning, and reached base after drawing a walk. Tommy Edman singled the following at bat, advancing Tucker to second base. The outfielder took a knee after advancing, and was in clear discomfort before being taken out. Alex Call replaced him on the base paths, and he walked to the dugout unassisted.
The Dodgers provided an update after he came out, citing the issue as “low back spasms.”
Tucker is the latest in a long list of injured Dodgers, as Los Angeles has the most injured roster in MLB. Teoscar Hernandez and Kiké Hernandez are both on the injured list for the Dodgers, who are now fairly short on outfielders despite Andy Pages’ fitness and Tommy Edman’s return.
Tucker inked a four-year, $240 million deal with the Dodgers in the offseason, and has served as the replacement for Michael Conforto, who had a poor season with the Dodgers last year. He hasn’t quite lived up to the hype yet, though, currently sporting a .707 OPS with just six homers through 75 games this year.
Who Will Replace Kyle Tucker?
If Tucker is to remain on the injured list, Ryan Ward and Alex Call will likely see more time in the lineup, though Teoscar Hernandez is nearing a return and will start his rehab assignment Tuesday.
Ward came up for Teoscar Hernandez when he landed on the injured list towards the end of May, and has been a serviceable corner outfielder for the Dodgers since coming back. Heading into Monday’s game, Ward had three homers with 11 RBIs, and boasted a .802 OPS on the year.
Call got off to a hot start for the Dodgers, but has since cooled down. He had an .807 OPS at the end of May, but has batted just .147 since and has seen his OPS drop to .661.
The Dodgers will hope Tucker can recover quickly to continue aiding them with their campaign for a three-peat.
Are you worried about Kyle Tucker’s status given what you saw on the field?
