The Los Angeles Dodgers have adjusted their batting order, moving Kyle Tucker down and promoting Freddie Freeman. Shohei Ohtani remains the lead-off hitter as the team seeks to improve amid a slump.
Key points
Dodgers adjusted batting order amid team slump
Kyle Tucker moved down the order
Freddie Freeman promoted in the lineup
Shohei Ohtani remains lead-off hitter
Will Smith often bats third
Los Angeles DodgersKyle TuckerFreddie FreemanShohei Ohtani
Apr 18, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Kyle Tucker (23) is congratulated by designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) after a two-run home run during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
Apr 18, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Kyle Tucker (23) is congratulated by designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) after a two-run home run during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
Since the start of the season, Shohei Ohtani has locked up the lead-off spot, and that will not change, but Tucker has been the regular No. 2 hitter for the Dodgers.
In the third spot, there has been a revolving cast, though Will Smith tends to man the spot when he is in the order.
The No. 4 spot has mainly been Freeman, but it will now be Tuckerâs, with the first baseman moving up to back-up Ohtani.
Q&A
Why did the Dodgers change their batting order?
The Dodgers changed their batting order to address performance issues as the team is currently in a slump.
Who is the lead-off hitter for the Dodgers?
Shohei Ohtani has secured the lead-off spot for the Dodgers since the start of the season.
What position does Kyle Tucker now bat in the Dodgers' lineup?
Kyle Tucker has been moved down the batting order from his regular No. 2 spot.
Who typically bats third in the Dodgers' lineup?
Will Smith usually occupies the third spot in the Dodgers' batting order when he is in the lineup.
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Apr 18, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Kyle Tucker (23) is congratulated by designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) after a two-run home run during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
Apr 18, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Kyle Tucker (23) is congratulated by designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) after a two-run home run during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
The move comes after a rough period for the Dodgersâ offense. The team has only generated one run over the first two games against the Giants.
Tucker has been far from the only problem, but manager Dave Roberts is hoping that the former Houston Astros can benefit from a different look, getting the chance to see extra pitches before setting into the box by observing the other part of the lineup.
âI think itâs more of just trying to give Kyle a different look,â Roberts said
âI think that heâs obviously going through it right now and not feeling great at the plate. So sometimes, the different visual, letting the game come to you a little bit before jumping in there in the two [hole] changes your outlook and potentially the results. So thatâs kind of the thought.â
Dave Roberts approached Kyle Tucker about the move
Before he made the decision, Roberts talked to Tucker about it, who was open to the move.
âI just went to him last night and had a quick conversation,â Roberts said. âJust told him my thoughts, and he was agreeable.â
Tucker has been an uber-consistent hitter throughout his career, remaining productive and steady from year to year, with few peaks and valleys.
However, he is down across the board and has looked like someone who is pressing, possibly because of his $240 million deal, which caused a stir in baseball.
âI think thereâs a lot of indecision ⊠where youâre late on good pitches, heâs chasing more than he typically does, his swing rate is higher than it typically is over a large sample,â he added.
âSo that, to me, is something different than youâre used to doing.â
Freeman, on the other hand, is still playing like an elite player. He is lashing .299/.371/.506, with room for more production given how hard he is hitting the ball when he makes contact.
