Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has indicated through Spring Training thus far that Gavin Lux is expected to at least be part of the equation at second base this season. But on Monday, Roberts offered his strongest endorsement of the year for the former top prospect.
“Every day he’s going to go out there and keep getting better. I do think giving him a runway to play second base, I think is a good thing for him, and a good thing for the Dodgers,” Roberts said.
“Obviously we have some other guys that can help support, but I do like the idea of Gavin seeing a good bit of time at second base and potentially shortstop on days Corey might have a day off.”
Roberts made his remarks prior to Lux batting leadoff and going 2-for-3 with a run scored and RBI in a 10-0 win over the Colorado Rockies. “He had a really good winter and the start has been really good, the consistency of his work,” Roberts said after the game.
“You have to understand there was a 10-day, two-week, 3.5-week layoff between Spring Training and Spring Training 2.0, so that puts a guy behind the eight-ball. He’s worked real hard to be consistent and he’s in a good spot.
“All he’s known is consistent playing time and work. There’s a lot of things going on with his swing as far as timing, and the more consistently he plays, it bodes better for him in the batter’s box. So I don’t think there was much of a mechanical change.”
While Lux was struggling last spring, he acknowledged his swing is complex and heavily predicated on timing and being in rhythm. That of course was disrupted when MLB shut down operations due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Lux additionally was a late arrival to Summer Camp for undisclosed reasons and wound up falling well short of expectations last season. But every sign continues to point to 2021 being a fresh start, which could prove key for the Dodgers.
“Gavin’s been great. I think last year was crazy for all of us and it is nice for him to have some consistency,” Roberts said. “He’s in a good place. I just want to get him out there, get him as many reps without overloading him.
“Just to see him back out there is exciting for all of us.”
Dodgers planning to move Taylor around
As Roberts alluded to, the Dodgers have options beyond Lux at second base, which includes Chris Taylor. He’s expected to play second base, third base, shortstop and some outfield this season.
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