PEORIA, Ariz. –– As each of the Dodgers’ first three batters came to the plate at the start of Sunday’s spring training game against the Padres, the blue-clad portions of Peoria Sports Complex erupted in cheers.
The first ovation for one of the club’s returning World Series heroes, infielder Miguel Rojas. The last was for another, catcher Will Smith.
But in between them, the team’s newest star acquisition was serenaded for the first time by his new fan base.
Kyle Tucker celebrates with teammates in the dugout after scoring against the San Diego Padres during a spring training game at Peoria Sports Complex. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Kyle Tucker, welcome to the Dodgers.
“It’s been pretty easy to feel welcomed and everything,” the four-time All-Star and $240 million offseason signing said after the Dodgers’ 5-1 win over the Padres, in which he made his spring training debut with the club. “Everyone from the front office to the players and coaching staff and everyone, they make it easy to just come in here and kind of do your thing.”
Here are four takeaways from Sunday’s game, starting with Tucker’s debut:
King Tuck takes the field: Though Tucker only took two at-bats Sunday, he said he felt good about both. In the first inning, he smoked a 108.6 mph grounder, albeit right to a fielder at second for an out. In the third inning, he worked a four-pitch walk (one of the balls was via a pitch clock violation) to help spur a four-run rally.
“Saw the ball decently well, hit it decently well, just kind of on the ground,” said Tucker, who joked that his goal this spring is to improve on his 3-for-30 showing in Cactus League play last year.
Kyle Tucker rounds the bases against the San Diego Padres. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Call taking it slow: One Dodgers outfielder who has not yet appeared in Cactus League play, and likely won’t for at least a little while longer, is Alex Call. Though last year’s trade deadline acquisition has been participating in team workouts this week, he is also nursing a minor foot issue that has put him on a slightly slower progression this spring.
“Just woke up one morning and my foot hurt, which was weird,” Call said. “But didn’t do anything (specifically to hurt it). Not too concerned about it.”
Caught my eye: While Hyeseong Kim and Alex Freeland are the leading candidates to help fill in for Tommy Edman while he recovers from offseason ankle surgery, several non-roster invites are in camp competing for an infield spot. That includes six-year MLB veteran Nick Senzel, who impressed Sunday with a pair of hard-hit doubles and a nice play charging in on a ball at third base. Senzel was a minor-league signing this offseason.
Up next: The Dodgers will have their home opener in Cactus League play on Monday when they face the Mariners at Camelback Ranch. Landon Knack is scheduled to start on the mound.
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