Dodgers Bench $240 Million Kyle Tucker After 85-Game Home Slump

Q: Can a single rest day truly fix the deep mechanical flaws plaguing Kyle Tucker's disastrous season?

No. A single rest day is unlikely to correct the deeper issues behind Kyle Tucker’s season, though it can help him pause the spiral and return with a clearer head. The evidence points to a layered problem, not a one-day fix. Tucker’s chase rate and swing rate are up, especially early in counts, and his strikeout rate has climbed while his barrel rate, exit velocity and expected slugging have fallen. Analysts have also pointed to timing and balance problems, especially a tendency to drift forward, which disrupts the flatter swing path that has made him successful. Those are mechanical flaws that usually require repeated cage work, video review and game repetition, not just a day on the bench. There may also be physical and mental components. Tucker recently dealt with back spasms, and even if the Dodgers have treated that as day-to-day, discomfort can affect balance and finish. Roberts has openly described the move as a “reset,” and Tucker’s frustration has been visible. In that sense, one day off can matter by easing pressure and helping him slow the game down. But the better indicator is not the benching itself; it is whether his underlying habits improve when he returns. There have been some encouraging signs in recent stretches, including better swing decisions, extra-base impact and more competitive at-bats. If those continue, the rest day may prove useful as a turning point. By itself, though, it is not a cure.

3 articles · Updated · New York Post · Aug 15

Saturday’s lineup against Milwaukee left out Kyle Tucker after manager Dave Roberts cited the outfielder’s severe home-road split and mounting frustration during at-bats at Dodger Stadium.
Codify Baseball said Tucker is the only MLB hitter since 1969 to post an 85-game home span with a batting average under .182, OBP under .288 and slugging under .266 over at least 338 plate appearances.
The 29-year-old entered the homestand on a seven-game hitting streak but has gone 0-for-16 in Los Angeles; his .705 OPS is his lowest since his rookie year and his bWAR sits at 0.3.
Roberts said Tucker is expected back Sunday and for the three-game Colorado series, but the Dodgers need more from a player hitting .234 with 11 homers, 54 RBIs and 66 runs as October nears.