The shortstop position for the Los Angeles Dodgers has been the most volatile situation on their rosters over recent years and matched in 2024 only by the constant turnover in the starting rotation that was brought about by injuries.
Heading into Spring Training each of the last two years, the Dodgers reported to Camelback Ranch with the intention of having Gavin Lux be their starting shortstop.
Lux was poised to inherit the position from Trea Turner in 2023, only to suffer a gruesome right knee injury in his second Cactus League game of the year. Lux underwent season-ending surgery on his right knee for a torn ACL and LCL.
Despite missing all of 2023, he was again named the starter at shortstop when the Dodgers began Spring Training this year. Once again, the plan changed as Lux struggled at the position and was flipped over to second base.
The swap thrusted Mookie Betts into learning shortstop on the fly, which was a challenge he embraced. Lux also expressed an understanding at the time while acknowledging there was disappointment in not being able to fulfill a dream of being the Dodgers’ shortstop.
The position still remained in flux as Betts suffered a fractured right hand and returned in right field due to Miguel Rojas cementing himself as the starting shortstop.
Tommy Edman then took over in the National League Championship Series after Rojas’ injuries flared up. Rojas returned for the World Series, but in a limited capacity.
Even when he wasn’t starting every day during the early portion of the season, Rojas still found a way to make an impact by acting as a defensive mentor to Lux, Betts and other Dodgers infielders.
Gavin Lux reflects on shortstop change
Needing to find his legs during the early stages of the season, Lux settled into a strong rhythm at the plate and put together a productive season. He also played a steady second base.
“I think initially it sucked. Coming off the ACL surgery, I expected myself to be a lot better and more prepared to play the position. It just didn’t happen and it didn’t work out,” said Lux when asked about his year including a position change.
“Initially it stunk, but my view of it was there’s no time to sit around and sulk. Let’s go play the best second base possible and pour into second base and just try to get better there. Woody and Dino and Miggy and a lot of other guys just helped me along the way and poured into me.”
“And just watching Mookie every day get out at short makes you want to get out and work every day too. Initially it sucked, but at the same time, there’s no reason to sit around and sulk. What’s done is done, just go out there and try to get better.”
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