The Los Angeles Dodgers hit into five costly double plays in their 5-3 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night, which overshadowed a throwing error by Gavin Lux in the third inning.
Will Smith’s three-run double from the first inning still represented the only scoring in the game before Lux’s error allowed the Diamondbacks to begin their comeback.
The inning started with Geraldo Perdomo leading off with a single, which was followed by Gonsolin issuing a four-pitch walk to Jose Herrera, the Diamondbacks’ No. 9 hitter who entered the game batting .063 this season.
A wild pitch allowed both runners to advance, then Lux threw wide of first base for a two-run error. Following the game he lamented not taking an extra step to get a better grip on the baseball, per Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“I just didn’t have a good grip (on the ball),” Lux said. “I should have taken another shuffle. I had a lot more time.”
Pavin Smith followed Lux’s error with a game-tying RBI single and the Diamondbacks went on to take a decided lead when David Peralta hit a two-run home run off Brusdar Graterol in the eighth inning.
Gavin Lux history of throwing struggles
Once a top shortstop prospect, the bulk of Lux’s time with the Dodgers has come at second base and the outfield.
While he’s settled into a new role, Lux does have a history of some throwing issues. He and the Dodgers have downplayed having any long-term concern, and Lux did respond after his error by making multiple clean throws to first base.
When discussing what most perceived to be a case of the yips in 2019, Lux said a change in mindset was beneficial to overcoming the mental aspect of throwing.
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