Despite Gavin Lux falling well short of expectations last season, the Los Angeles Dodgers remained fully confident in their former top prospect and his odds to earn the starting job at second base.
“I see him getting a good runway, playing regularly. What that means, I think that’s room for conversations,” manager Dave Roberts said early into camp. “Him against a lefty, I don’t think we’re too concerned about that.
“He’s always handled them and performed well. It’s really not a handedness thing with Gavin.”
Lux continued his strong showing in Spring Training in Sunday’s loss to the Texas Rangers, going 1-for-3 with a double. He’s batting .455/.455/.545 through four Cactus League games thus far.
“Gavin is in a really good place physically and mentally,” Roberts said after the loss. “Having him take balls obviously at second base and short, he’s moving really well. Just all around I think there’s a good comfort level for him.”
Roberts previously noted Lux was “sound mechanically,” which was a testament to offseason work completed with Dodgers hitting coaches.
In the past, Lux has acknowledged his swing is more complex than most others and is heavily predicated on consistent playing time.
Lux backup option to Seager
While the Dodgers have every intention of Lux becoming their starter at second base, he additionally started one game thus far at shortstop. Roberts envisions him being part of the equation when Corey Seager requires a day off during the regular season.
Along with Lux, the Dodgers are planning for Chris Taylor to serve as a backup shortstop as well. That’s part of a larger plan to have Taylor move around the diamond, much like he has in the past but this year with more infield mixed in due to Kiké Hernandez not being with the team.
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