Los Angeles Dodgers fans are organizing a show of support for outfielder Kyle Tucker, whose first season with the team has been marked by significant struggles. A social media campaign is encouraging fans to give Tucker a standing ovation before his first at-bat on Friday night at Dodger Stadium.
Tucker, who signed a $240 million contract, is batting .232 with 11 home runs and 55 RBIs. His on-base plus slugging (OPS) has remained below .700, and his defense has been rated among the worst for regular right fielders in Major League Baseball. He recently experienced an 0-for-26 hitting slump before collecting three hits in the final two games at Coors Field this week.
His performance has been particularly challenging at Dodger Stadium, where he has faced boos from the crowd and dropped routine fly balls. Following a hitless performance and an error in right field on Monday night in Colorado, cameras captured a visibly emotional Tucker in the dugout. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged Tucker's difficulties, stating, "He’s probably never struggled like this in his life." Roberts had benched Tucker in recent home games in an effort to help him reset.
Despite the struggles, Roberts expressed his belief in Tucker and hopes the planned ovation will provide a needed boost. "I hope the fans show up and support Kyle because, at the end of the day, you want to play well," Roberts told the California Post. "He’s working hard. He’s going through it right now. But for him to get the fans encouraging him, I think that could really trigger something and build some momentum."
This gesture echoes a similar show of support for Mookie Betts last season. In August, a sold-out crowd at Dodger Stadium gave Betts a standing ovation during a difficult period, a moment Betts later described as motivational. Betts said the gesture served as a reminder that even accomplished players can find encouragement from fan support.
Teammates have also offered encouragement. Miguel Rojas, who has become close to Tucker, believes the outfielder is on the verge of a turnaround. "Kyle is a player who’s been through it in the past, and I’m completely positive that he’s a guy who’s one swing away from turning things around," Rojas told the California Post. "We all know that with one swing of the bat, with one big play, you can change the narrative of everything. The year is not over yet."
Kiké Hernández, who has a history of overcoming regular-season struggles to perform well in the postseason, also expressed confidence in Tucker. "Nobody has doubted him," Hernández told the California Post. "Everybody struggles at some point. Some struggles last longer than others, but for him, it’s just a matter of — it’s all about one at-bat."
Hernández emphasized the importance of postseason performance in Los Angeles. "It doesn’t matter what type of season you have. You have a great October and you help win a World Series, it’s a good season, in my opinion."
With the Dodgers pursuing a third consecutive World Series championship, Tucker still has an opportunity to redefine the narrative of his season. The planned standing ovation aims to provide the support needed to help him find his form.