Dave Roberts Makes Kyle Tucker Admission After Dodgers Game

The pressure surrounding Tucker has only grown as his struggles have continued in his first season in Los Angeles. Through 132 games, the right fielder is batting .225 with 11 home runs, 58 RBIs and a .677 OPS.

Those numbers represent a significant drop from the production Tucker delivered during his best seasons with the Houston Astros, where he established himself as one of baseball’s more productive offensive outfielders.

The frustration also reached another level during the Cardinals series when Tucker drew criticism from fans after a dropped third strike sequence in which he did not run to first base.

Roberts, however, has continued to stand behind his struggling veteran rather than removing him from the lineup entirely.

The Dodgers have experimented with Tucker’s spot in the batting order, including moving him lower in the lineup as he works to rediscover his rhythm.

Los Angeles also has the benefit of being in a strong position entering the final month of the regular season. The Dodgers remain comfortably ahead in the National League West, giving Roberts some flexibility to allow Tucker to work through his issues.

Still, the expectations attached to Tucker’s contract and his track record will ensure that the attention remains on every at-bat.

If Tucker can rediscover his form before October, his difficult regular season could quickly become an afterthought. For now, Roberts and the Dodgers appear committed to giving him the opportunity to find his way out of the slump.