While Major League Baseball has suspended the start of the 2020 season due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the Los Angeles Dodgers still have some decisions to make in regard to their roster when play does eventually resume.
One of the biggest will be who starts at second base, with rookie Gavin Lux being the primary candidate. Lux is one of the top prospects in all of baseball, but he got off to a bit of a slow start this spring, hitting .276/.323/.345 with only one extra-base hit in 31 plate appearances.
There is potential that the Dodgers start Lux at Triple-A Oklahoma City to manipulate his service time in order to gain an extra year of club control. Though, he certainly proved everything he needed to at the Minor League level last year.
After making starts at second base during Cactus League play, Lux began to spend more time serving as the designated hitter. “I have no clue,” he answered when asked if there was a reason behind the shift.
“I’m just happy to go out and get at-bats. I feel comfortable on defense, wherever it is in the middle of the field. It’s not a concern for me. I feel good at second and shortstop, and I’m a lot better than where I was last year. I don’t think it’s an area of concern for me.
“I don’t really know why the DH or what the reasoning is. Like I said, I think the most important thing for me right now is to get at-bats, get my timing and making sure I’m locked in. I think that’s the biggest thing right now.”
Lux started swinging the bat well before play was suspended due to coronavirus. Due to having a complex swing, he stated he needs extra at-bats to prepare for the season and that is why he has improved throughout the course of the spring.
“For me, it takes 30 to 40 at-bats to feel like I’m finally getting locked in,” Lux explained. “I feel like I’ve been on the barrel a lot recently and I think I’ll start hitting for power pretty soon with more at-bats and more comfortable I get in the box. I feel good right now.”
It is unknown when MLB will resume play, but when it does, what the Dodgers do with their top prospect will certainly be something to keep an eye on. Other potential players that could see time at second base include Chris Taylor, Kiké Hernandez and Max Muncy.
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