Kyle Tucker hits home run for Dodgers after lineup demotion

Kyle Tucker recorded his first home run at Dodger Stadium since June 15 during a game against the Washington Nationals on Friday. The solo blast in the sixth inning extended the Los Angeles Dodgers lead to 5-0. Entering the matchup, the Dodgers placed Tucker in the No. 8 spot in the batting order, his lowest lineup placement since 2020. The decision followed months of struggles for the outfielder, who has posted an OPS in the.600s this season. Tucker connected on a 99 mph fastball from Washington starter Jackson Kent for the home run, a notable point given his documented difficulty against high-velocity pitches throughout the season. While the performance marks a positive individual outcome for the outfielder, it follows a trend of diminishing production that has seen him slide from his initial role as the team's primary No. 2 hitter earlier this year.

• 4:30 AMYahoo Sports — Demoted to No. 8 in lineup, Kyle Tucker hits first Dodger Stadium HR since June 15