Much like Spring Training last year, a key storyline for the Los Angeles Dodgers has been Gavin Lux, his development and the likelihood of taking hold of the starting job at second base.
Lux struggled last spring, was clearly impacted by the MLB shutdown and his late arrival to Summer Camp, and fell short of expectations. This year the former top prospect appears much more confident both at the plate and in the field.
Lux added to his blistering start this spring with an RBI single in the Dodgers’ 5-3 win over the Cincinnati Reds at Goodyear Ballpark. “Seeing the ball pretty good early on was kind of important for me,” Lux said after being removed from the game.
“Not really too worried about the results right now. Just how my body feels, seeing pitches, just trying to string together as many good at-bats as possible. On defense, just trying to make plays. Good early on.”
Lux acknowledged having a more normal progression with Spring Training this year has been “ideal,” particularly since he entered camp from spending the majority of the offseason training with Dodgers coaches in L.A.
“Just getting out and playing consistent games, getting consistent work days in, building a routine, finding a routine. All of that is really important, so just to have some normalcy is huge,” Lux said.
There also is the factor of having a more refined swing that Lux once admitted was complex and heavily predicated on being in rhythm from regular playing time. “I definitely tried to simplify some things down and just make my swing and gather a little more repeatable,” he explained.
“Not so susceptible to slide steps and certain other things. Just trying to be more repeatable and simplify it, definitely.”
Dodgers committed to giving Lux ‘runway’
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has stopped short of naming Lux the starter at second base, but has made it clear he will be given ample opportunities to earn the role.
“I think it’s whenever I get an opportunity to play, just go out and play. That’s kind of how I’m treating it,” Lux said. “Whenever you get a chance, just go play, play hard and have fun. That’s really it.”
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