NL DIVISION SERIES: BRAVES VS DODGERS

October 4, 2026

Kyle Tucker

Dodger Stadium

Los Angeles Dodgers

Pregame 2 Press Conference

Q. Kyle, I know we've talked a lot just kind of as to where your swing is at and how you're feeling at the plate, but what is the challenge when you are in a situation where you're going to have ideally and most likely another bullpen game? How are you preparing for a game like today or even, like yesterday, getting the results you had?

KYLE TUCKER: I think you kind of try to have a general approach and then kind of -- depending on the game situation, kind of let certain situations dictate what you're trying to do at the plate, such as like trying to get a runner over, just trying to get a sac fly and just do your job at that.

But then also just have your general approach and just try to barrel at balls. Just kind of have that throughout the game and just see what happens as the innings go through and whoever comes in the game afterwards.

Q. When we talked to you about approach, you have this way of like really boiling it down to kind of one simple thing, not getting too far ahead of yourself, not talking about the next day. How much of that has been natural for you for your whole life versus something that you've had to work on?

KYLE TUCKER: I feel like I've gradually gotten better at it approach-wise and zone controlling throughout my career. I mean, each level that you go up throughout life and throughout professional baseball, pitchers get better. So you've just got to try to control the zone and do your best at that because it will make it easier in the box for you.

If you're swinging at the right pitches and laying off some others and putting some decent swings on the ball, that can help you out more than not.

Q. How has that north star helped you turn the page from the regular season into this run here?

KYLE TUCKER: I mean, it helps. If you're able to take your walks, at least have productive at-bats even if it doesn't result in a hit, so just like getting the guy over, getting him in on a ground ball or sac fly or something like that, something that helps the team in the game versus personal stats, I think stuff like that is huge especially when it comes to playoffs where runs are hard to come by, especially when you're playing great teams and really good pitching staff. So you're just trying to do your part and get some runs across the board.

Q. Is the fantasy team doing all right today?

KYLE TUCKER: CeeDee helped out a lot today. So we needed that.

Q. Obviously the last week kind of made about like fixing the bat path, was there kind of a light bulb moment where you think, okay, this is the swing I've been looking for this year?

KYLE TUCKER: I've kind of had that every now and then throughout the year, just trying to maintain it as best as possible. Even if you're not feeling great, you've still got to go up there and do your job.

Like you said, whether it's moving guys over, getting guys in, regardless of the result, you just try and do that and just try and win the game.

Q. What do you think has allowed you to better maintain it this last month or so?

KYLE TUCKER: I don't know, sometimes it comes and goes. Sometimes you just try to hold onto it. You're never going to have a perfect swing. You just try and hold onto it as much as possible and just try to have productive at-bats.

Q. Mookie's talked about over the last couple years the ups and downs he's had, felt like went back to the broken hand he had a couple of years ago. Do you think that's been part of kind of the ups and downs this year for you is having to find your swing again after the hand injury last year?

KYLE TUCKER: I don't know. I mean, there was plenty of time between what happened last year and the beginning of the season this year. I mean, sometimes it's just trying to find yourself and trying to find the right swing again. Sometimes it might take a while. Sometimes it clicks right away.

As long as we're winning games, it doesn't really matter what your swing looks like. As long as you're producing at the plate and getting your job done.

Q. After the game yesterday, Miguel Rojas said that you're a superstar and he had no doubt you were going to come through in that spot. What does it mean to have that support, and can you speak on your relationship with Miggy this year?

KYLE TUCKER: Miggy is awesome. He's right next to me in the locker room. He's great. When we're on the road, on the bus, in the clubhouse and everything, he's been a big part of this clubhouse for a while now, and he's had some really good plays in the field, really big at-bats for this organization.

He's meant a lot to me, along with everyone else in this organization and on the team.

Q. You've played in big postseason atmospheres before, Chicago, Houston. What did you make of your first October game with the Dodgers yesterday?

KYLE TUCKER: It was great. A little warm, but I mean, can't complain coming out with a win to start the series. It was a fun day yesterday. Just looking forward to getting another win today.

Q. What do you make of this Josue De Paula kid and any advice that you've given him?

KYLE TUCKER: He's great. He was only up for a little while at the end of the season there, but put together some good at-bats and helped us out with a few games there at the end to get us to where we are now.

I mean, he's a great kid. I think he's got a bright future. Just looking forward to if he gets into any of these games, and I think he's going to help us win a lot in the future.

Q. Speaking of Josue, you debuted when you were 21 years old as well. Who helped you when you were a rookie?

KYLE TUCKER: There's a good amount of people on the team -- Springer, Brantley, Bregman, Altuve, a lot of older guys when I was coming up, kind of the same with Josue. I mean, he's got a lot of talent, and he can go out there and do his thing. But if he asks any questions, everyone in this clubhouse is more than happy to help him out with whatever he needs.