Dodgers Recap: Tucker makes Cactus League debut in win over Friars
Spring Training Game 2, 2/22/2026: Dodgers 5, Padres 1
PEORIA, AZ — The Dodgers continued their slow rollout of starters in Game 2 of their Spring Training schedule on Sunday afternoon. This time, it was new acquistion Kyle Tucker in the spotlight, taking his place in the lineup alongside regulars Miguel Rojas and Will Smith. Tucker only had two plate appearances, but he did score a run as the Dodgers win their second straight game, this one over the San Diego Padres by a score of 5-1.
The big inning in this contest was the top of the third, when the Dodgers scored four times off new Padre Triston McKenzie. World Series hero Will Smith singled in a run to start the scoring, followed by a two-run double off the bat of former Cincinnati Red Nick Senzel (in camp on a minor league contract). Then, a bases-loaded walk gave the Dodgers a 4-0 lead and all the cushion they would need in this one.
Speaking of World Series heroes, Will Klein‘s scoreless second inning was plenty to notch the righty his first win of the Spring.
As for Tucker, not a ton to report. He grounded out to second base in the first, and walked in scored in that decisive top of the third. So, good start, I guess, for the 60-million-dollar man.
After the game Tucker joked, “Last year, I got one hit in spring, so hopefully, I’ll get more than that. So that’s a goal. Just… feeling comfortable. I felt pretty good today… I saw a ball decently well, hit it decently well… but just making sure I’m ready for whenever the season comes around. We’ve still got a decent amount of time before that, so as long as I get enough reps, and enough comfortability (sic) out there, come the season, I’ll be all right.”
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