The Los Angeles Dodgers are continuing their East Coast road trip with a three-game weekend series against the New York Mets. It’s still a highly anticipated series in MLB despite the Mets not being as strong as their roster should suggest.
Either way, for game one of the series, the Dodgers are sending Roki Sasaki to the mound, and the New York Mets will roll with southpaw Sean Manaea, which has prompted a few lineup tweaks by manager Dave Roberts. One of those changes includes Kyle Tucker, who has notably been a bit of a disappointment in his first season with the Dodgers.
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Kyle Tucker Dropped to 7th in Dodgers Batting Order
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 17: Kyle Tucker #23 of the Los Angeles Dodgers singles to center field during the second inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on July 17, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Caleb Bowlin/Getty Images)
In the Dodgers batting order on Friday evening, Kyle Tucker will hit seventh. He hit sixth on Wednesday against the Phillies, but since the Mets are going with a southpaw, Tucker drops one spot in the order.
Here is the full lineup for Los Angeles (on July 24), courtesy of @UnderdogMLBÂ
Kyle Tucker’s 2026 Season Thus Far
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JULY 05: Kyle Tucker #23 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates in the dugout after scoring during the seventh inning against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium on July 05, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ryan Sirius Sun/Getty Images)
As noted, it hasn’t been the best season statistically for Kyle Tucker.
He signed the most lucrative offseason contract extension (four-year, $240 million deal).
Over 347 at-bats, Tucker’s bWAR is 0.5, and he’s batting .236 with seven home runs, 48 RBI, and an OPS+ of 92.
Tucker will still get everyday opportunities to turn the campaign around, but when a player is paid an AAV of $60 million, you obviously expect more production at the plate than a below-league-average OPS+.
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