The Los Angeles Dodgers officially called up Gavin Lux from Triple-A Oklahoma City. Tyler White was transferred to the 60-day injured list in order to create room for Lux on the 40-man roster.
White had previously been ruled out for a return this season as he remains sidelined by right trap strain. A corresponding move was not required to place him on the active roster because of those expanding with the turn of the calendar to September.
Whenever Lux appears in a game for the Dodgers it will mark his MLB debut. The promotion adds to what’s been a remarkable season for the 21-year-old. He opened with Double-A Tulsa and was named a Texas League All-Star before joining Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Moving up a level had little impact on Lux at the plate as he had at least one hit in each of his first 16 games with Oklahoma City. Included in that was a stretch of three four-hit games, one five-hit performance and a five-game home run streak.
Lux appeared in 49 games for OKC, batting .392/.478/.719 with 18 doubles, 13 home runs and 39 RBI. In 113 overall games with the Drillers and OKC Dodgers, he batted .347/.421/.607 with 59 extra-base hits, 76 RBI and 10 stolen bases.
Lux essentially forced his way onto the Dodgers’ active roster with the incredible performance. Last month, manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the organization’s top prospect was a candidate to join the team in September.
However, Roberts said it was possible that would only be an apprenticeship of sorts — much like what the Dodgers did with Will Smith last year. “Gavin Lux is having a great year. He’s having a great year,” Roberts said last week.
“He’s in the conversation. We’re still evaluating and want to make sure it makes sense for everyone.”
It wasn’t until more recently that Roberts revealed the Dodgers were giving serious consideration to calling up Lux with the intention of giving him an opportunity to play. It’s presumed that was influenced by Max Muncy sustaining a right wrist fracture, which created somewhat of a need at second base.
That Lux is in position to help fill that void is a testament to his work ethic and desire to expand his versatility. Lux approached the Dodgers earlier this season with the idea of receiving more time at second base instead of being limited to his natural shortstop position.
Lux is poised to join Smith, Matt Beaty, Kyle Garlick, Josh Sborz, Tony Gonsolin, Edwin Rios and Dustin May as Dodgers to make their MLB debut this season.
