After a slow start to the season, Gavin Lux has emerged as a steady contributor for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the second half.
Since the All-Star break, the 26-year-old is hitting .381/.452/.635 with seven doubles, three home runs and 15 RBI in 73 plate appearances across 21 games (18 starts).
With the Dodgers missing several key contributors due to injury, Lux has benefited from moving up in the batting order. “I think it’s fun. I don’t get to hit third or fourth too much,” Lux said.
“Obviously when we’re healthy, I’m not going to be there, which is fine. Just getting some opportunities with guys on base, and trying to take advantage of that.
“Obviously when we’re fully healthy, I’m going to be in the bottom of the lineup, trying to set the table for the guys at the top, which is fine. Just build momentum. That’s really about it.”
Lux entered play Monday with 39 RBI in 99 games this season, but more than a third of those have come in the second half. His 15 RBI since July 19 is tied for 34th in all of baseball.
With Mookie Betts and Max Muncy due back in the next week, Lux will likely be dropping back down to the bottom of the Dodgers lineup. That almost certainly will result in fewer RBI opportunities, but Lux’s hot hitting should spark a part of the order that has struggled for most of the season.
Gavin Lux explains decision to swing harder
Lux recently attributed his recent success to being more aggressive, which includes swinging the bat harder. Dodgers hitting coach Robert Van Scoyoc believes this new approach has given him more freedom at the plate.
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