The Los Angeles Dodgers absorbed an injury for the third consecutive postseason game as Gavin Lux was removed in the seventh inning of the National League Championship Series opener because of a right hip flexor issue.
Kevin Kiermaier, who was added to the Dodgers postseason roster for the NLCS in place of Miguel Rojas, entered Game 1 to play center field. That moved Kiké Hernández over to second base in place of Lux.
“Just kind of coming out of the box on the bunt. Going down the line, my right hip flexor, just kind of tweaked it and didn’t feel great,” Lux explained after the Dodgers’ 9-0 win against the New York Mets.
“But I wanted to stay in the game. I was fine to stay in the game. It was a precautionary thing and with a lefty going tomorrow, had a little extra time to get it recovered up.”
Lux said he had not previously been dealing with a hip flexor injury nor did he plan on getting any tests done for it.
“Just wear and tear, I guess. I’ll be fine. I wanted to stay in the game, but I think it was the right thing to do with trying to get a little extra recovery. I’ll be fine,” he said.
Lux went 0-for-1 with one run scored and a walk prior to being removed.
Will Gavin Lux remain in Dodgers lineup?
Prior to Game 1, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts already was suggesting it was possible Lux would not be in the lineup when the Mets start Sean Manaea.
Lux’s injury aside, Roberts is maintaining that stance heading into Game 2.
“I think he’ll be fine,” Roberts began. “Whether I decide if he’s in there or not. But as far as availability, I think he’ll be available.”
If Lux is to miss any time, the Dodgers likely would move Hernández to second base or potentially give Chris Taylor an opportunity. Should they opt to move Hernández to the infield, that in turn would create an opportunity in center field for Taylor or Andy Pages.
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