Gavin Lux put together a historic stretch during the 2019 Minor League season and it earned the former Los Angeles Dodgers top prospect a chance to make his MLB debut that year.
Lux then was projected to earn the starting job at second base for 2020, but he struggled to begin Spring Training and was a late arrival to Summer Camp leading into the shortened season. Lux never quite found his footing and also dealt with some inconsistency in 2021.
The result has been getting shifted to a utility role that encompassed needing to learn how to play left field, which remains a work in progress. However, where the 24-year-old has regained his footing is in the batter’s box.
Lux explained one reason behind that is making a concerted effort to leverage his power swing when appropriate and also shorten up if necessary, per Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic:
“I guess it’s just like old-school stuff,” Lux said, “like when you get into a 2-0 or 3-0 early in the count, picking on a pitch to drive and try to get your A-swing off. When you’re down or are 1-1, 2-2, two strikes, then it’s like shortening up and then trying to fight and grind it out and just get on base.
“That’s just kind of old-school stuff that I feel like I’ve been reminded of a little bit and that’s important, too.”
Lux has just four home runs this season and his career high in the Majors is seven, set last year. Lux’s home run against the Chicago Cubs on July 7 was his first in one month, but he added another one week later.
Lux’s biggest display of power in the Minors came in 2019, when he hit a combined 26 home runs with Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Oklahoma City.
However, in terms of doubles, Lux has already matched his career-best of 12 that were hit last season. He’s also reached last year’s total of four triples.
Dave Roberts: Gavin Lux has power
Although Lux may not be a prototypical power hitter, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts believes he has the potential to slug.
“I think the power’s been there. It’s because, in my opinion, he’s opened up the other side of the field,” Roberts said last week. “I think early on, certainly the message has been to go out there and take good at-bats, get on base, hit .300.
“Now when you can open the field up to right-center, the pull-side homer the other night, it’s going to make him that much more dangerous and then the slug will be there.”
Are you following Dodger Blue on Instagram? It’s the best way to see exclusive coverage from games and events, get your questions answered, and more!
