The Los Angeles Dodgers aren't losing hope with Kyle Tucker amid a brutal slump. Tucker has struggled mightily in the first season of a four-year, $240 million contract with the defending World Series champions. The outfielder's slash line has dipped to .232/.327/.368 after recording three hits in his last nine games, and he dropped a routine fly ball during Monday's win over the Colorado Rockies.
Dodgers star Mookie Betts addressed Tucker's struggles while speaking to teammate Miguel Rojas on his Bleacher Report podcast. "Obviously, we know Tuck is kind of going through it," Betts said. "He came into a tough situation.
No matter how you want to slice it, he comes in. He's got Shohei (Ohtani), Freddie (Freeman), (Will Smith), (Max Muncy), all these guys that he can kind of --- not hide, but he doesn't have to be the guy. But no matter how you slice it, you give somebody that type of contract, there's going to be external pressure.
"Really, internal pressure for himself. Because he knows he needs to play well." Rojas started his comments by declaring faith in the four-time All-Star. "I have all my confidence in Tucker," Rojas said.
The 37-year-old introduced Tucker to a Venezuelan card game that they play together on team flights. Rojas wants Tucker to know the team still supports him. "I've been investing some time in trying to help him feel better," Rojas said.
"Not just about himself, but about his teammates and the people that he's around. Because I am a true believer that when you feel good, you play good. And when you're going out there every day knowing that the guys have your back, it's a good feeling." Rojas discussed the difficulty of drowning out criticism, but he hopes Tucker realizes the only opinions that matter are those inside the locker room.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
