Kyle Tucker makes Dodgers spring debut in win over Padres

PEORIA, Ariz. –– As each of the Dodgers’ first three batters came to the plate at the start of Sunday’s spring training game against the Padres, the blue-clad section of the Peoria Sports Complex erupted in cheers.

The first ovation for one of the club’s returning World Series heroes, infielder Miguel Rojas. The last one was for another, catcher Will Smith.

But in between, the team’s newest star signing was serenaded for the first time by his new fan base.

Kyle Tucker, welcome to the Dodgers.

“It was pretty easy to feel welcomed and everything,” the four-time All-Star and $240 million offseason signing said after the Dodgers’ 5-1 victory over the Padres in which he made his spring training debut with the club. “Everyone from the front office to the players and coaching staff and everyone, they make it easy to just come in here and do your thing.”

Here are four takeaways from Sunday’s game, starting with Tucker’s debut:

King Tuck enters the field: Although Tucker only took two at-bats on Sunday, he said he felt good about both. In the first inning, he smoked a 178.6 mph grounder, albeit straight to a fielder on second for an out. In the third inning, he drew a walk (one of the balls came on a pitch clock violation) to spark a four-run rally.

“I saw the ball pretty good, hit it pretty good, just on the ground,” said Tucker, who joked that his goal this spring is to improve on his 3-for-30 performance in the Cactus League last year.

Please ring the bell quietly: One Dodgers outfielder who hasn’t appeared in the Cactus League yet, and probably won’t for a while, is Alex Call. While last year’s trade deadline acquisition has been participating in team practices this week, he is also dealing with a minor foot issue that has caused him to make slightly slower progress this spring.

“I just woke up one morning and my foot was hurting, which was weird,” Call said. “But I didn’t do anything (specifically to hurt it). I’m not too worried about it.”

My eye caught: While Hyeseong Kim and Alex Freeland are the leading candidates to fill in for Tommy Edman as he recovers from offseason ankle surgery, several non-roster invitees are in camp vying for a spot in the field. This includes six-year MLB veteran Nick Senzel, who impressed on Sunday with a pair of hard-hit doubles and a nice play that came in on a ball to third base. Senzel was a minor league signee this season.

Next: The Dodgers will play their home opener in the Cactus League on Monday when they take on the Mariners at Camelback Ranch. Landon Knack will start on the mound.