Having already dealt with a rash of injuries this season, the Los Angeles Dodgers will now be without Corey Seager for a minimum of four weeks after he sustained a fracture in his right hand.
Seager was placed on the 10-day injured list prior to Sunday’s series finale against the Miami Marlins, opening the door for Gavin Lux to start at shortstop. “I plan on playing [Lux] at short mostly,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of who will get the bulk of reps at the position with Seager sidelined.
Though Lux has mostly played second base this season, his natural position is shortstop. “We’ve always believed Gavin is a shortstop,” Roberts addd.
“It’s just obviously with Corey manning the position, to get Gavin here, (second base) made sense for our roster. With Corey going down, to know you have a guy that can defend at that position certainly is very helpful.”
With Lux shifting over to shortstop, Max Muncy figures to receive more playing time at second base, with the newly-signed Albert Pujols assuming a larger role as well.
Muncy also batted in Seager’s familiar No. 2 spot on Sunday, but isn’t a lock to remain there. “Not necessarily. It’s kind of pitcher dependent, albeit Max is very neutral,” Roberts said.
“But I’m not going to box myself in. Obviously when you lose a guy like Corey, Max is an easy guy to plug in there.”
Roberts not solely relying on Muncy in the two-hole was evident by Justin Turner batting there against the Diamondbacks on Monday night.
Roberts seeing improvement with Lux
Heading into the season Roberts made it clear the Dodgers would give Lux ample opportunity to take hold of the starting job at second base. He cooled after a hot start and also spent time on the 10-day injured list, but now has turned the corner in May.
“In the batter’s box, he’s just getting better and more comfortable,” Roberts said. “His at-bat quality is consistently getting better. Just really putting good at-bats together, so it’s really been helpful.”
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, participate in our shows and giveaways, and more!
