Overview
- Kyle Tucker’s slow start has drawn concern from Dodgers staff, with Dave Roberts pointing to more swings at low pitches outside his usual zone and a hitting coach noting signs of pressing.
- Tucker says he is not pressing and blames a swing that feels off, explaining that missed hittable pitches lead to deeper counts and later chases.
- Advanced metrics show a clear shift in approach, with a 53.6% swing rate versus a 41.2% career mark, a 24.2% chase rate versus 17.6% in recent seasons, and a 27.1% whiff rate versus a 20.4% career rate.
- Through roughly 15 games he is batting about .246 with one home run and nine RBIs, yet double-digit walks keep his on-base percentage healthy and his defense grades well.
- He is hitting near the top of a lineup anchored by Shohei Ohtani, which means pitchers are less likely to pitch around him, and the Dodgers’ depth gives him time to adjust without urgent pressure.