Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts isn’t benching Kyle Tucker, despite a brutal season from the veteran slugger who is currently hitting a miserable .230. This decision comes as Tucker, a four-time All-Star, continues to struggle massively at the plate and in the field, making his $60 million annual contract look like a serious problem.
Tucker’s Bat and Glove Are Falling Apart
Let’s be real, Tucker’s numbers are grim. His slash line sits at .230/.326/.367, and his 94 OPS+ is on pace for his worst full season ever. We’re talking five straight games without a hit before he finally snagged a double in Tuesday’s 7-6 win over Colorado. But it’s not just the bat; his defense has been rough, too. Just this past week alone, he’s dropped a pair of catchable fly balls. Things are so bad that some fans are already clamoring for top prospect Josue De Paula to get the call-up from Double-A. It’s tough to watch a guy who has been that good completely unravel.
Roberts Is Stuck With a $60 Million Problem
So why is Roberts sticking with him? The manager put it simply: “I liked Kyle’s energy yesterday. I think the easy thing for me to do is to not play him. But for me, what I can do, a way of showing support, is by playing him. … I think he gives us the best chance to win.” That last part, “I think he gives us the best chance to win,” is the six-word kicker that tells you everything you need to know about the bind the Dodgers are in. Tucker is under contract for three more seasons at a significant cost, averaging $60 million annually. Sidelining a player with that kind of money attached would be an absolute optics nightmare. The team’s best hope is that Tucker just needs to play through it, find his rhythm at the plate, and somehow rediscover his confidence. Sitting him on the bench definitely won’t make that happen.
Tonight, Tucker is batting seventh against Colorado Rockies left-hander Kyle Freeland. Everyone’s watching to see if he can finally get something to click, because right now, this massive investment is giving the Dodgers absolutely nothing.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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