When the Los Angeles Dodgers looked to graduate Gavin Lux from top prospect in the organization to everyday player on the Major League roster, it entailed a position change to fill a vacancy at second base.
Now that Trea Turner is in a similar boat because of Corey Seager manning shortstop, Lux has been flexed into a utility role. He was activated off the 10-day injured list on Tuesday and started at third base.
Lux played the position some while on rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City, but his return to the lineup marked the first time doing so at the Major League level.
“He hasn’t played a whole lot at third base but he’s taken groundballs over the last few years. He’s played on the left side of the diamond, so the ball comes off the same way,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts explained.
“Talking to Dino (Ebel), who’s seen him quite a bit, he looks really natural over there. The arm plays, the glove plays, quick burst laterally. So I have all the confidence in the world in Gavin there.”
In addition to third base, Lux may see time in right field. “I think right now for Gavin it’s help anyway you can, and I know he’s of that same mind,” Roberts said.
“Whether it’s third, second, potentially right field, it’s a bat off the bench to pinch-hit, pinch-run. Whatever the ballclub needs, I know he’s up for.”
Does Lux have experience in right field?
Lux has only played the infield during his professional career, but Roberts doesn’t anticipate that being a hindrance when it comes to possibly spending some time in right field.
“He’s taken some fly balls out there and moved around. Gavin is a very athletic player,” Roberts said. “It’s just playing deep second base. If he’s out there, he’ll be fine.”
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