After missing a little over two weeks with a neck injury, Gavin Lux’s preparation for the postseason is a bit different than in years past with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The 2022 regular season proved to be Lux’s most successful as his role grew into a regular contributor as a big league player, and at a few different points, was a pivotal piece to the Dodgers lineup.
Up until Lux missed time because of the neck/back trouble, he posted a .293/.368/.428 batting line with six home runs, 42 RBI, .350 wOBA and 127 wRC+ over a career-high 115 games. Lux finished the season hitting .276/.346/.399 but began to find a better feel down the stretch.
“Yeah, I think I needed those 40 at-bats coming off an injury. Kind of the last 20 at-bats started to feel much better, I was seeing the ball much better,” he said. “I’m probably going to get close to 20 at-bats these next four days, so I’ll lock it all in. I’m starting to see the ball better, which is the main thing.”
With a layoff between the end of the regular season and start of the National League Division Series, players were able to get some needed rest before the team began to prepare for intrasquad workouts over the weekend.
“It was good to kind of shut it off for 24 hours, but having three or four workout days, you go through the same routine like you would on a game day,” said Lux. “So I think it’s just getting back into it and kind of building into it for when it matters. I’m excited.”
For the first time in his career, Lux found long-term consistency and added a new wrinkle to the Dodgers lineup.
“I think a lot of it is just getting comfortable at the big league level. A lot of guys will tell you that’s probably the hardest thing to do, is being comfortable every day,” he said.
“I think that stretch where I was pretty much playing every day, got comfortable and I could go out and do what I wanted to do without so much pressure. Just kind of went out and played and tried to have fun, and the results kind of followed.”
Gavin Lux learning from Freddie Freeman
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts drew a comparison with Lux and Freddie Freeman in September, mainly due to a strong at-bat quality that is often seen from the All-Star first baseman.
Lux reiterated that Freeman is one of the players he’s thankful to have in the clubhouse.
“I just love talking to him as much as I can. During the game, I’ll shoot him a question if we’re close to each other. He’s so much fun to play with,” Lux said. “Watching him go about his business every day, he’s one of the best players in the game for a reason. As much time as you get to spend around him, you feel lucky.”
While Freeman’s role for the Dodgers is at the top of the lineup, Lux’s contributions will come in various spots, and because he’s been with the team for a few playoff runs, this year isn’t as nerve-racking for the 24-year-old.
“I think anybody can tell you postseason baseball is different. The environment, the intensity, all of that is totally night and day compared to the regular season. There’s no way you could really prepare for that until you go through it,” he said.
“I think getting to do that last year and playing out of position, which caused some anxiousness in itself, going through that can only help. Pretty much everybody on this team has playoff experience, so it’s a good thing.”
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