The Los Angeles Dodgers recalled Gavin Lux from Triple-A Oklahoma City and optioned Andre Jackson to make room on the active roster before their series opener against the San Diego Padres.
Jackson was recalled on Thursday with the expectation he would follow Tony Gonsolin against the St. Louis Cardinals, however, he did not make his way into the game.
Lux should fill a utility role and provide a left-handed bat off the bench. Manager Dave Roberts could also utilize him as a pinch-runner as speed off the bench is something the Dodgers lack and Lux is one of the faster players in baseball.
With OKC, Lux has been working to increase his versatility by learning center field and left field in addition to getting more reps at third base, where he previously saw some time with the Dodgers but struggled in the brief stint.
Lux has previously said he is happy to be a utility player for the team because he just wants to do what he can to help L.A. win.
The former top prospect has struggled in his time at the Major League level, posting a career .217/.294/.352 slash line and 79 wRC+ across 127 games.
This season, his struggles continued as he has hit .221/.302/.340 with an 80 wRC+ in 85 games. However, at only 23-years-old, Lux still has a lot of time to figure things out and the Dodgers remain confident he can.
What is next for Jackson?
Jackson will likely continue to pitch as a starter for Oklahoma City or another affiliate so he can stay stretched out to provide the Dodgers with length from the bullpen or in a spot start whenever they need it.
The talented 25-year-old pitcher has risen in the Dodgers’ prospect rankings this year and represented the organization at the Futures Game this season.
In 8.2 innings pitched for L.A., he holds a 1.04 ERA but his FIP sits at 5.12 because he has struggled with his control, walking 16.2% of hitters while only striking out 18.9%.
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