Kyle Tucker back in Dodgers camp after new son, checks into spring lineup

PHOENIX — kyle tucker is back with the Los Angeles Dodgers in the desert this week after stepping away from camp to be present for the birth of his first child. The outfielder rejoined the club with less than two weeks left in Arizona, with the team set to head home for the Freeway Series after spring wraps. The timing matters: he’s trying to get his swing lined up while navigating a new team, a new city, and new fatherhood all at once.

Return to camp and immediate lineup role for Kyle Tucker

On Sunday, kyle tucker served as the Dodgers’ designated hitter and hit second in a Cactus League game against the Athletics, a setup that eased him back after five days away from camp for family reasons. He went 1 for 3 in that return game. Manager Dave Roberts held him out of the lineup Monday, but Tucker is expected to play again Tuesday against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Roberts said the club is comfortable letting Tucker drive his preparation timetable as the final stretch of spring training narrows. “From what I’ve gathered of talking to him and his coaches before, he doesn’t need a lot to get ready, ” Roberts said. “It was good to see him get a hit (Sunday). … I still think we have plenty of time to get him ready to go. ”

Spring timing, at-bats, and what he’s prioritizing

Tucker said the transition back to work has been straightforward, with his family doing well. “It was good, ” Tucker said. “They’re doing well now. Back home. ”

With spring nearing its end in Arizona, Tucker described it as “crunch time” to sharpen his swing, but he isn’t chasing a fixed target for reps. He said he will operate by feel when it comes to how many at-bats he needs before the regular season. “I’ll get plenty of (at-bats), ” Tucker said. “Whatever I kind of need, especially once the season starts creeping up on us, we’ll get those in. ”

He also framed spring results through a process-first lens, emphasizing health and readiness. “The biggest thing is you just want to come out healthy and make sure you’re ready whenever the season comes around, ” Tucker said.

Contract, change, and the Dodgers’ plan around him

Tucker’s return lands amid a wave of introductions in his first year with the Dodgers, following contract negotiations that ended with a four-year, $240-million deal that included a $64 million signing bonus, with $54 million already paid. The contract pays him $1 million during the 2026 season, then escalates to $55 million next season and $60 million in 2028 with the first of two consecutive player options.

On the field, the Dodgers are working him back in gradually, including a DH appearance Sunday as he rejoined the group. Tucker is expected to return to his typical right-field role for future spring starts.

Quick context and what comes next

Tucker is entering his first regular season with Los Angeles after meeting the media at his Jan. 21 introductory press conference and joining the full squad when it reported to spring training last month. He said his family will be in Los Angeles with him once the season begins.

Next up: a likely return to game action Tuesday against Arizona, as the Dodgers continue to build him toward Opening Day readiness in the final days of camp. For kyle tucker, the immediate focus is simple—stack enough quality at-bats to feel locked in before the club leaves Arizona for the Freeway Series.