Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed optimism regarding outfielder Kyle Tucker's recent performance, suggesting the veteran player is showing signs of improvement after a challenging season. Tucker, who signed a $240 million contract, has faced speculation about his mental state due to a career-low batting average of .231 and an OPS of .689.
"I really feel we’ve turned a corner," Roberts said. "We’re in a fight, and I think that he understands that there’s no other alternative but to keep going forward. We just got to get through this together. I don’t know how to articulate it. But I just feel good about some of the things I’ve seen."
Tucker himself acknowledged the difficulties of his debut season with the Dodgers. "It’s been a struggle, in the sense that I’d like to help our team win and perform better for the guys in the clubhouse and the fans that come to the games," he conceded. "In that aspect, I wish I would’ve done better this year."
However, Tucker also indicated a forward-looking perspective. "We’ve still got a month and a half left and the playoffs coming up, so it’s not over yet," he said. "Just gotta keep grinding every single day and just keep moving forward and just try to get better every single day. Our team’s phenomenal. I have a lot of respect for the guys in here. And they’ve been supportive of me along with everyone else on the team. So, just looking forward to finishing out the year strong."
Roberts noted that Tucker appeared more "freed up" mentally and emotionally during the recent series against the Pittsburgh Pirates. "I think the last couple days is more of what we’re going to see going forward," Roberts added. Tucker had a notable moment during Saturday's 4-3 victory, snapping an 0-for-26 home slump with a decisive two-run single in the seventh inning. He also drew two walks and struck out only once during the series against the Pirates, which Roberts highlighted as positive indicators.
Following the game, teammate Miguel Rojas lightheartedly acknowledged Tucker's key hit, referencing his recent struggles at home. Tucker, acknowledging the jest, responded, "It was nice. Like Miggy said, I haven’t had a hit in the last three homestands." He reiterated his focus on taking each at-bat with quality, a mindset that his manager and teammates continue to support as the Dodgers pursue an historic third consecutive championship.