Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Kyle Tucker has had an incredibly disappointing season. The 29-year-old joined Los Angeles this past offseason on a record-setting two-year, $115 million contract with player options for the 2028 and 2029 seasons.
He has not lived up to the massive expectations thus far. Across 74 games, he has posted a .234 batting average, .331 on-base percentage, .705 OPS, six home runs and 40 RBIs.
Those numbers fall well short of the standard he has set across his nine-year career as a four-time All-Star, two-time Silver Slugger and Gold Glove award winner during his time with the Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs.
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Now, Tucker's season has taken another unfortunate turn. During Monday's series opener against the Minnesota Twins, Tucker walked in his first plate appearance. He jogged over to first base and eventually moved to second on a single from infielder Tommy Edman.
However, moments after advancing, manager Dave Roberts removed Tucker from the game. Alex Call entered as a pinch-runner and took over in right field.
There was no obvious reason for his early exit, and Tucker did not speak with trainers before leaving the game. Moments later, the Dodgers provided an update on Tucker's condition.
"Kyle Tucker left the game with low back spasms," the team wrote on X.
Replays showed Tucker clutching at his lower back. Roberts will likely provide further updates on Tucker after the game on whether an injured list stint will be necessary. If not, Tucker will look to return to the lineup Tuesday for Game 2 at Target Field.
