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Dodgers Keep Kyle Tucker Despite 0-for-24 Slump

8/19/2026

31 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Tucker Plays

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced that Kyle Tucker will play despite a seven-game hitless streak.
Tucker entered Tuesday’s game with an 0-for-24 skid over his seven games.
Roberts said he is talking with Tucker to restore confidence and keep him from feeling “on an island.”
Tucker, who signed a four-year, $240 million contract, is on a Dodgers team that trails the NL West leader by seven games after an 18-21 stretch.

Summary

Diaz Injured

The Dodgers placed closer Edwin Diaz on the injured list with a neck inflammation diagnosis.
Dr. Robert Watkins will image Diaz in Los Angeles to assess the injury’s seriousness.
Diaz said a delivery-posture flaw caused reduced pitch movement, and since returning he posted a 15.88 ERA and blew three saves.
Teoscar Hernández has a .222/.263/.352 line since July 7, with 30 strikeouts and six walks.

History

Historical Context

During the 1998 season, Mark McGwire’s 70 homers and Sammy Sosa’s 66 sparked a record-breaking home-run race that coincided with MLB’s expansion to 30 teams and the Yankees’ 114-win record. That surge in player value set a precedent for massive contracts, so today Dodgers manager Dave Roberts pressures newly signed $240 million outfielder Kyle Tucker to end his 0-for-24 slump.

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Tucker Plays

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced that Kyle Tucker will play despite a seven-game hitless streak.
Tucker entered Tuesday’s game with an 0-for-24 skid over his seven games.
Roberts said he is talking with Tucker to restore confidence and keep him from feeling “on an island.”
Tucker, who signed a four-year, $240 million contract, is on a Dodgers team that trails the NL West leader by seven games after an 18-21 stretch.

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