Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Kyle Tucker was removed from last night's 2-1 win against the Minnesota Twins after advancing to second base on a single. According to The Athletic's Fabian Ardaya, Tucker, who signed a four-year, $240 million deal with Los Angeles in the offseason, left due to back spasms, which began when he took the field in the bottom of the first inning. The Dodgers haven't placed Tucker on the IL, so it seems the injury isn't serious.
Many fans used Tucker's exit as an opportunity to bash the right fielder. It's fair to criticize his on-field performance, as he's making a whopping $60 million per year, the most in baseball history, yet ranks 109th of 152 qualified hitters in OPS (.707). Unfortunately, Tucker's injury just further angered Dodgers fans about his subpar performance this year, his first with the club.
Cannot wait for Kiké to take his playing time in October.
— Joel Larsen Fans (@joellarsenfans) June 23, 2026
At this point, Call and Tucker are almost the same player. Call can play defense better though.
— Ryan C (@Pinsanity12) June 23, 2026
Looks like feelings hurt from the boos yesterday
— DodgerDude2025 (@dodgerdude2025) June 23, 2026
Sure, Tucker has had an extremely disappointing season. But for a fanbase of a team that won the last two World Series and currently has the best record in baseball (50-29), it's hard for Twins fans to feel any sympathy for them. Even with Tucker's struggles, the Dodgers' offense is second among all 30 MLB teams in runs (407) and first in wRC+ (117). Because of its depth, Los Angeles is still the World Series favorite despite Tucker's lack of production.
It's hard for Twins fans to feel bad for Dodgers fans for Tucker's struggles
Meanwhile, the Twins dropped to 38-42 after losing to the Dodgers last night. Twins fans have much more to complain about than Dodgers fans. Minnesota's payroll is about one-fourth of Los Angeles', and it's reflected in the standings. Somehow, the Twins are only two games back of the third AL Wild Card spot and 3.5 games back of the Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Guardians for first place in the AL Central. But while Twins fans have reasons to hold on to hope, including the club's strong offense, it seems most likely the team will end up selling at the trade deadline. In addition to the Dodgers series, the Twins are slated to play the New York Yankees, Cleveland Guardians and Chicago Cubs, all winning teams, before the Aug. 3 trade deadline.
Game 2 of the Twins-Dodgers series at Target Field is scheduled to begin at 6:40 p.m. CDT tonight. Joe Ryan was originally slated to start for Minnesota but was scratched with an illness, according to Aaron Gleeman of AaronGleeman.com. Instead, left-hander Kendry Rojas will start for the Twins, while left-hander Justin Wrobleski will start for the Dodgers. The game will be available to watch on Twins.TV and TBS.
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