The Los Angeles Dodgers faced a challenging game against the Minnesota Twins on Monday, June 22, as two key players were forced to leave early due to injuries. Right fielder Kyle Tucker exited in the second inning with lower back spasms, while catcher Dalton Rushing was removed in the third inning for concussion testing.
Tucker, who signed a four-year, $240 million contract with the Dodgers this winter, drew a walk in the second inning and advanced to second base on a single by Tommy Edman before being replaced by pinch-runner Alex Call. Manager Dave Roberts had noted before the game that Tucker, despite a recent slump, was expected to return to form. Tucker’s .705 on-base-plus-slugging percentage this season is his worst since his 2018 rookie year with the Houston Astros.
Rushing was replaced by Chuckie Robinson after taking a foul tip off his mask on the game’s first pitch. The Dodgers were already without starting catcher Will Smith, who has been sidelined for over two weeks with a neck injury, and outfielder Teoscar Hernandez, who is recovering from a hamstring injury. Smith received a cortisone shot and could begin a rehab assignment soon, while Hernandez was set to start his rehab assignment on June 23.
With Tucker and Rushing out, the Dodgers were left with only two players on their bench for the final six innings. Backup outfielder Alex Call and catcher Chuckie Robinson filled in, though neither possesses the same skill set as the injured starters. The Dodgers have faced multiple injuries this season, raising concerns about their depth at critical positions.