Dodgers' Kyle Tucker Exits Game with Low Back Spasms

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Kyle Tucker was removed from Monday night's game against the Minnesota Twins in the second inning due to low back spasms. Tucker walked with one out and advanced to second base on a single by Tommy Edman before being replaced by pinch-runner Alex Call. He remained in the dugout briefly, standing by the railing, then headed to the clubhouse after the inning ended. The Dodgers later pulled catcher Dalton Rushing in the third inning to rule out a possible concussion, compounding injury concerns for a team already without starting catcher Will Smith, who is on the 10-day injured list with neck inflammation. Tucker signed a four-year, $240 million contract with Los Angeles in January and has played in 75 of the team's 79 games this season. However, he is batting just .234 with six home runs and four RBIs – his lowest average since hitting .141 as a rookie with the Houston Astros in 2018. Tucker has hit at least 22 home runs in each of the last five seasons.