Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts revealed All-Star Kyle Tucker will make his spring training debut for the Dodgers on Sunday against the San Diego Padres.
Roberts said Tucker will have two at-bats Sunday against the Padres, and will play again Tuesday against the Cleveland Guardians.
“Early in camp he’ll probably start on Sunday,” Roberts said. “Take a couple of at bats. Then play on Tuesday. I like Tuck. He’s an easy player to manage. He just wants to play baseball. He’s one of the best hitters in the game and we’re lucky to have him.”
The Dodgers signed Tucker — the best free agent on the market during the offseason — to a four-year, $240 million contract. He is one of two All-Stars to join the Dodgers’ ranks during the winter, the other being closer Edwin Diaz.
Sunday will be fans’ first chance to see Tucker compete in his new threads.
How Good of a Hitter is Kyle Tucker?
Over the past five seasons, Tucker has established himself as one of the best hitters in the game. He has made each of the last four All-Star Games, and has hit 20 or more home runs in each of the last five seasons.
Tucker hit 22 home runs in 2025 to go with 73 RBIs, and managed a .841 OPS despite playing through a large portion of the season with a hairline fracture in his hand. Despite largely hitting for power, he has extraordinarily low strikeout and chase rates — ranking in the top 2% of MLB in chase percentage and top 15% of MLB in strikeout percentage — and he walks at a 14.6% clip.
He’s also elite on the base paths despite his 6-foot-4 frame, having stolen 119 bases in his career and only being caught stealing 16 times.
Where Will Kyle Tucker Play for the Dodgers?
Tucker is a natural right fielder, and Roberts stated earlier in the offseason he would maintain that role in L.A.
Teoscar Hernandez manned right field for the Dodgers in 2025, and will move back to left field, where he played during the 2024 season.
As far as the batting order goes, Roberts revealed Wednesday he’s still deciding whether to bat Tucker second or fourth in the lineup, as Mookie Betts will bat third and Shohei Ohtani will lead off.
Are you excited to see Kyle Tucker in Dodger blue?
