GLENDALE, Ariz. – For a few days this spring, baseball took a back seat for Kyle Tucker.
The Dodgers’ new right fielder stepped away from camp to be with his wife as the couple welcomed their first child — a moment Tucker called both exciting and grounding. Now, with only a few weeks left before Opening Day, Tucker is back in camp and easing into what could become one of the most dangerous lineup spots in baseball.
And he’ll be doing it in the middle of two superstars: Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts.
Dave Roberts’ top of the order will look like this: Ohtani leading off, Tucker hitting second, and Betts batting third. On paper, it’s a trio capable of overwhelming pitching staffs before the game even settles in. Oh, and let’s not forget who’s batting after Tucker, Freddie Freeman.
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (50) and designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) celebrate after scoring against the Cincinnati Reds in the sixth inning during game two of the Wildcard round f...
For Tucker, though, the focus right now is far simpler.
“It’s good. Just trying to get some more at-bats under my belt,” Tucker said Sunday after the game. “A couple of good at-bats today. So hopefully I can just build up to that next game.”
Finding His Spot in the Lineup
In that game, Tucker’s afternoon unfolded like a typical early-spring tune-up.
Facing left-hander Jacob Lopez in the first inning, Tucker struck out swinging at a fastball. In his next plate appearance, he adjusted quickly, lining a single on the second pitch he saw from another lefty, Matt Krook. By the fourth inning, Tucker sent a high fly ball to right-center field in his third trip to the plate.
The results mattered less than the rhythm. Spring training for Tucker is about timing — literally.
“Just feeling comfortable right now,” Tucker said. “I’m just trying to get down earlier and be on time. That’s kind of my thing right now. It’s more timing than swinging-wise.”
The Dodgers expect Tucker to bat second when the season begins, sandwiched between Ohtani’s on-base ability and Betts’ all-around offensive threat.
“It’s exciting,” Tucker said about hitting between them. “Our team and lineup, it’s going to be exciting to be part of.”
If that alignment holds, opposing pitchers will face a relentless opening stretch: Ohtani setting the table, Tucker’s left-handed bat creating matchup problems, and Betts lurking immediately behind.
A Brief Break for a Big Moment
Tucker’s brief absence from camp came for the best possible reason.
“It was good. They are doing well. They’re back at home,” Tucker said of his wife and newborn son.
The 29-year-old returned to Arizona only recently, leaving him with slightly fewer game at-bats than some teammates. But Tucker isn’t concerned about making up the difference.
“If I need any extra at-bats, we can do some lives and stuff like that, outside of games,” he said. “So I’ll be good regardless.”
Turning the Page From Last Season
Tucker enters 2026 after a season that featured a tale of two halves offensively. During the latter part of his time with the Chicago Cubs, his swing lost some of its rhythm. But when the postseason arrived, Tucker found it again — grinding through plate appearances and simplifying his approach.
“Sometimes you just gotta grind through and just do what you can,” Tucker said. “Take what you can and just have really good at-bats.”
It’s the same mindset he’s bringing to Dodgers camp.
A New Chapter in Los Angeles
In the span of just a few months, Tucker’s life has changed dramatically. He left Chicago in free agency, signed a massive contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and last week became a father. Now he’s preparing for his first season in Los Angeles — and the chance to hit in the middle of one of baseball’s most anticipated lineups.
“It’s exciting,” Tucker said of all the recent changes. “I’m looking forward to it — for them to be out in LA with me and everything once the season starts. I’m excited to see them again and get ready for the season and begin playing meaningful games.”
If the early spring glimpse is any indication, those meaningful games might start with one of the sport’s most formidable first four hitters stepping into the box.