Dodgers’ Kyle Tucker Faces Elite Pitching in Spring Training

PEORIA, Ariz. – New Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Kyle Tucker is getting a crash course in facing Major League Baseball’s top talent early in Spring Training. Unlike many hitters who ease into at-bats during the preseason, Tucker has already faced pitchers like Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Shohei Ohtani, and Tyler Glasnow .

Early Challenges for Tucker

Tucker acknowledged the difficulty of facing such high-caliber pitching so early in camp, especially after limited at-bats in the offseason. “It’s a little tough. Glad they’re on our side,” Tucker said. He described facing Tyler Glasnow as particularly challenging, noting Glasnow’s fastball felt much faster than its actual velocity of 98 mph, stating it “felt like 200.”

Tucker’s Quiet Integration

Despite signing a four-year, $240 million contract this offseason, Tucker has maintained a low profile in Dodgers camp, focusing on getting to know his new teammates and taking at-bats. This approach differs from the typical spotlight given to star players joining new teams. He received a warm ovation from Dodgers fans during his Spring Training debut on Sunday, February 23rd, in a 5-1 win over the Padres, but the applause wasn’t as loud as that for established stars like Will Smith, Miguel Rojas, and Will Klein.

Yamamoto and Ohtani Face Tucker

Tucker has already seen live batting practice from both Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Shohei Ohtani this spring and .

Dodgers’ Rotation Potential

The Dodgers’ rotation, featuring Yamamoto, Ohtani, and Glasnow, has the potential to be among the best in MLB history. Tucker seems to recognize the benefit of facing these pitchers in practice, stating he is “getting some of the hard part out of the way early.”