Right fielder Kyle Tucker will not be in the Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup for Saturday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Dodger Stadium.
“Being at home right now, I can see the frustration,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said in explaining the decision. “I felt that for him (it was best) to use today as a work day, and he will be back in there tomorrow (for the series finale against the Brewers).”
Roberts stated Tucker will remain in the lineup when the Dodgers hit the road for a three-game series against the Colorado Rockies.
“I don’t think he even realized (his frustration) until recently, when I think people brought it to light, but the fact is that the splits are stark (between home and road)."
Tucker is hitting .192 with just two home runs
and 17 RBIs at home this season. When playing on the road, Tucker is hitting .275 with nine home runs and 37 RBIs.
“I don’t think we have a reason behind it, but I wouldn’t say he is fixated on it, but he’s conscious of it," Roberts said.
Roberts wasn’t willing to offer a theory for the statistical difference in play for Tucker during home and away games.
Tucker signed a four-year deal worth $240 million as a free agent this past offseason.
The manager said that the decision to hold Tucker out of the lineup allows time for a player like Alex Call to take the field and get some time at right field.
“I like Alex in the sense that I think he can spoil some pitches and kind of work at-bats versus (Brewers starting pitcher Jacob Misiorowski), so it’s a combo.”
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why isn't Kyle Tucker in the Dodgers lineup? Dave Roberts explains
