Kyle Tucker’s struggles at Dodger Stadium reached a new low last week when he finished 0-for-19 on the Los Angeles Dodgers’ homestand.
After sitting out Saturday and returning for the series finale against the Milwaukee Brewers, Tucker remained in the lineup as the Dodgers began a three-game set with the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field.
The change of scenery didn’t help, however, as Tucker went 0-for-5 at the plate in the Dodgers’ 11-5 win over the Rockies. He also dropped a routine fly ball in the bottom of the seventh inning, marking his second consecutive game with a defensive miscue.
“He’s frustrated,” manager Dave Roberts said on SportsNet LA. “Certainly, the play out in right field, there’s indecision. Catching a baseball at your ankles kind of speaks to where his head is at right now. It’s not from lack of effort, care. It’s just kind of right now he’s fighting it. We’ve got to keep supporting him.”
Roberts previously discussed Tucker’s rough stretch and acknowledged the four-time All-Star has been frustrated with his performance. However, Roberts said he will continue to stand by Tucker and plans to start him in all three games against the Rockies this week.
The 29-year-old’s first season with the Dodgers has been anything but smooth sailing thus far. He enters play Tuesday hitting just .230/.326/.366 with 18 doubles, three triples, 11 home runs and 54 RBI in 484 plate appearances across 118 games.
Since becoming a full-time player in 2021, Tucker is on pace to set career-worst marks in batting average, on-base percentage, slugging and home runs, among other stats.
Kyle Tucker not focused on home splits
Tucker went into the Dodgers’ series at Coors Field batting .275/.371/.469 in road games this season, which is right in line with his career averages. The issue has been his performance at Dodger Stadium, where he’s hitting a paltry .189/.286/.272.
Despite the alarming splits, Roberts does not believe Tucker has been dwelling on his struggles at home.
“I don’t think he even realized it until recently, when I think people brought it to light,” Roberts said. “But the fact is, the splits are stark, home-road. I don’t think we have a reason behind it. I wouldn’t say fixated on it, but certainly, now he’s conscious of it, though.”
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