Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Kyle Tucker exited a game against the Minnesota Twins on June 22, 2026, after lower back spasms struck during the first inning.
Tucker said during a press conference that the spasm occurred while he was on defense between innings. "When we went out for defense between innings in the first, back just like lit up," he said, adding that he went back out and hoped the pain would calm down or go away. He attempted to play through the discomfort during his second-inning at-bat, swinging at the first pitch and then drawing a walk, before the team doctor removed him from the game.
Tucker noted the current episode felt less severe than a similar back spasm he experienced approximately two years ago. "Last time it was lighting up like every couple seconds or minutes or whatever, but here it was just like that one time it lit up my whole back," he explained, describing the current flare-up as a single intense episode followed by soreness and smaller spasms rather than recurring intense pain. He also acknowledged that finishing his swing during the at-bat caused pain. Tucker added that rotating movements — throwing and swinging a bat — are the actions that aggravate the injury most.
Tucker also mentioned feeling somewhat ill in addition to the back issue, stating, "I kind of feel a little sick, so I'm sure that probably doesn't help." He was uncertain whether any pregame activity contributed to the injury, noting it could have been random.
As for his return, Tucker stated his availability will be determined based on how he feels on June 23, 2026, pointing to his prior experience as a cautious reference point: "Last time the next day I came back pretty good. I think I was in there the next series."