Much like Spring Training last year, the Los Angeles Dodgers in some sense have an opening at second base. Though, the expectation remains former top prospect Gavin Lux will take hold of the position.
Lux was not only expected to do so last year, but contend for the National League Rookie of the Year Award as well. Instead, he had uneven results during Spring Training and was a late arrival to Summer Camp for undisclosed reasons.
Lux never found his footing and only appeared in 19 games with the Dodgers. Manager Dave Roberts said he wants the 23-year-old to find a routine this spring and “be himself.”
And though Lux may not be viewed as an everyday starter, he at minimum is going to factor into the equation up the middle, along with Chris Taylor. “Gavin is going to be playing second base and I see C.T. at second base,” Roberts said.
The Dodgers drafted Lux as a shortstop but he began playing more second base each year, starting in 2017. Lux made his MLB debut at second base and has yet to play any other position in his young Major League career thus far.
Taylor to fill utility role for Dodgers
While Roberts plans to have Taylor spend some time at second base, it’s part of the Dodgers’ larger plan to ensure he’s on the field and therefore filling the super utility role Kiké Hernandez became synonymous with.
Taylor has regularly been fielding grounders at third base during Spring Training workouts.
“I think for me, looking at the roster and value of Chris Taylor, it’s important for me to make sure he’s in there on a regular basis,” Roberts explained. “He’s made it clear it doesn’t really matter where he plays.
“To have Justin there, to have Eddie Rios, and to know C.T. feels comfortable over there at third base if need be, I think it’s good for everyone. … I think C.T.’s ability to move around the diamond, willingness and also having done that, I think is best for the Dodgers.
“When you have the buy-in from the player it puts us in an even better spot.”
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