Former Astros Star Tucker Flubs Mike Jones Test as Dodger

Dodgers' social media video mocking Houston rap legend backfires with Astros fans.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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In a social media video, new Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Kyle Tucker, a former Houston Astros star, failed to recite the famous phone number of Houston rapper Mike Jones, angering Astros fans and reigniting the rivalry between the two teams.

Why it matters

The Astros-Dodgers rivalry has remained heated since the 2017 World Series scandal and recent regular season matchups. This incident shows the Dodgers' attempt to engage with Houston culture backfiring, further fueling the animosity between the two fan bases.

The details

In a video posted by the Dodgers' social media team, several players were asked to recite Mike Jones' phone number from his hit song "Back Then". While Dodgers stars Mookie Betts and Blake Snell aced the challenge, Tucker, who played for the Astros from 2018-2024, was unable to remember the number, angering Houston fans who saw it as disrespect towards a Houston icon.

  • The Dodgers posted the video on February 17, 2026, during Spring Training in Phoenix.
  • Tucker played for the Astros from 2018 to 2024, earning 3 All-Star selections.

The players

Kyle Tucker

A former Houston Astros outfielder who is now playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers, their National League rival.

Mookie Betts

A star outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Blake Snell

A pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Mike Jones

A legendary Houston rapper known for his hit song "Back Then" which features his famous phone number.

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What they’re saying

“Bum ass Tucker was in Houston for almost 10 years from draft to the trade and he can't remember the number.”

— @ComicsNerdX (X)

“Kyle Tucker was never bout it...”

— @PNav57 (X)

“Houston lives rent free in LA”

— Rich O'Toole, Houston-born country music artist (Twitter)

What’s next

The Dodgers and Astros are scheduled to face off in a three-game series in Los Angeles in July, providing an opportunity for the rivalry to continue on the field.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the lingering tensions between the Astros and Dodgers fanbases, stemming from the 2017 sign-stealing scandal and recent on-field matchups. It shows how attempts by the Dodgers to engage with Houston culture can backfire, further fueling the perception that the Astros 'live rent-free' in the minds of their rivals.