The Los Angeles Dodgers have been one of MLB’s more inconsistent teams over the past two months, with several important players going through extended slumps.

No struggle has stood out more than Kyle Tucker’s disappointing first season in Los Angeles.

The Dodgers signed Tucker to a four-year, $240 million contract during the offseason expecting him to provide consistent production.

Instead, he has endured the worst season of his MLB career.

Tucker is hitting .223 with 12 home runs, 59 RBIs and a .677 OPS in 135 games this season.

His prolonged struggles have created questions about whether Los Angeles could eventually consider benching him, particularly once the postseason begins.

Manager Dave Roberts has pushed back against that possibility for the moment.

According to The Orange County Register, Roberts said he still believes the best version of the Dodgers against both right-handed and left-handed pitching includes Tucker in the lineup.

“I hope not,” Roberts said. “I do think that the best version of our ballclub – versus right, versus left – is with Tuck in the lineup.”

That means Tucker will continue receiving opportunities to work through his slump.

However, the Dodgers may have less patience in October if his production does not improve.

Teammates and coaches have consistently supported Tucker throughout the season.

Fans have also tried to encourage him, including giving him a standing ovation during their current homestand.

Tucker appreciated the gesture and acknowledged that Dodgers fans continue supporting the team every day.

He explained that his responsibility is to contribute to winning games and do his part.

“It’s nice. They come out and support us every single day,” Tucker said.

“They’ve been doing their part in supporting us and we just try and go out there and win games for them, so I’m just trying to do my part in that whole thing.”

So far, however, sustained improvement has remained elusive.

Tucker has occasionally produced a strong game or two before falling back into the same offensive problems.

Los Angeles gave him a day off on Aug. 27 against the Atlanta Braves with left-hander Chris Sale starting.

Roberts explained that the decision was designed to give Tucker a break rather than pile another difficult matchup onto a player who had already been struggling for some time.

He also made clear that the postseason would be different.

If the Dodgers faced Sale in October under similar circumstances, Roberts said he would expect Tucker to be in the lineup.

“I just think that right now, given where he’s at, where he’s been at certainly for a minute, just to give him a day. A week ago, I let him try to fight his way through it,” Roberts explained.

“But today I didn’t want to feel like I’m piling on against a really tough starter. Get him ready for the weekend. Chris Sale in the postseason, I would expect him to be in the lineup.”

Tucker will continue working behind the scenes throughout the final month searching for a solution.

There was a reason Los Angeles committed such a significant contract to him.

At his best, Tucker combines a controlled offensive approach with power, patience and the ability to make pitchers work.

He is also experienced enough to understand how quickly a difficult season can change if he finds his timing at the right moment.

His composure will matter just as much as any mechanical adjustment.

Pressing for immediate results can make a prolonged slump worse, particularly when expectations are enormous.

Tucker needs to trust the approach that made him such a valuable player before arriving in Los Angeles.

If he can rediscover that version of himself when the pressure increases, his difficult regular season will remain part of the story, but it could become much easier for the Dodgers to live with.