The Los Angeles Dodgers have generally steamrolled through opponents this season with one of the most talented lineups in baseball, led by three former MVP Award winners and several other All-Stars.
While the group has excelled as a whole, the No. 2 spot continues to be a black hole in terms of production. Manager Dave Roberts hasn’t been able to pinpoint a cause for the struggles, but believes they may have something to do with Shohei Ohtani’s presence as the leadoff hitter.
“Very fair question. I don’t know that answer,” Roberts recently said. “I’d like to say it’s not the thought of hitting behind Shohei, but when you see a guy in the batter’s box and you’re on the on-deck circle, and you see special things, I guess it’s hard not to have that kind of affect your psyche.
“But I don’t know the answer. Somebody’s got to hit two.”
It’s possible that batting behind Ohtani can create pressure for players, but it may also work to their advantage with a pitcher potentially taking their foot off the gas after getting by the two-way superstar.
The Dodgers’ struggles out of the No. 2 spot are not related to any one position or player. They have used several big names there this season, including Kyle Tucker, Andy Pages, Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts. However, each has performed below expectations when batting second.
Given the talent of the players in the Dodgers lineup, it would be safe to bet that production from the No 2. spot will naturally improve as the season progresses. One possible solution could be moving Will Smith there when he returns from the 10-day injured list, but it’s unclear when that will be.
Fortunately for the Dodgers, their lack of production from the No. 2 spot is not a major issue at the moment as they lead MLB in wins. However, they should be proactive in trying to find what works best, as every small thing can matter come postseason time.
Dodgers want Kyle Tucker to get back on track
Tucker began the year as the Dodgers’ No. 2 hitter, but was eventually dropped in the lineup amid his season-long struggles. Roberts said the team is committed to helping the 29-year-old return to his previous form.
“No player wants to not perform up to their capabilities,” Roberts said on SportsNet LA. “I do think there is a fitting in part of it, wanting to perform up to your expectations part of it. I do think he’s opened up more. And for me, it’s just wanting him to get back to who he is as a hitter.
“Who he is as a hitter, is a guy that really controls the strike zone. His swing rate has been much higher. His chase rate, much higher. If we can get him back to being who he is, then we’ll bet on the results. So it’s not something we might see tonight, but going forward, that’s something I think we’re going to see.”
Tucker has found more success hitting lower in the lineup, but he has yet to unlock his power and fully production that made him a superstar in previous seasons.
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