The Los Angeles Dodgers received three home runs in their 6-2 win over the Houston Astros on Sunday, including one from Gavin Lux, who has continued to swing a particularly hot bat out of the All-Star break.
Lux’s two-run blast in the sixth inning off Spencer Arrighetti extended the Dodgers’ lead to 3-0. It was the 26-year-old’s fourth home run in his last 22 games.
During that span, Lux is hitting .300/.391/.567 with eight extra-base hits and 11 RBI in 22 games (18 starts). His recent success earned him National League Player of the Week for July 15-21, marking the first time Lux has been honored with the feat.
Lux attributed his turnaround to being more aggressive at the plate, via Cary Osborne of Dodger Insider:
“Just taking more chances,” Lux explained the turnaround. “I think you get a good count, you try to stick to your plan and put a good swing on it. But just take more chances early, like the first two strikes are mine to try to do damage on, and then after that it’s just two strikes you try to fight.”
Lux’s recent results have been encouraging after a slow start to the season that likely could be chalked up to rust. The 2024 campaign is his first big league action since 2022 after missing all of last year due to a torn ACL and LCL in his right knee.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts previously estimated that Lux would need some time to settle in, and he finally appears to be getting back to his old form.
In 81 games this season, Lux is batting .238/.297/.357 with 12 doubles, two triples, six home runs and 32 RBI across 310 plate appearances.
Gavin Lux playing with a ‘bit more confidence’
Roberts has been pleased with Lux’s progress and expects him to keep it going. “It’s been great,” Roberts said of Lux’s success. “I think he’s been finally having less sleepless nights.
“Each day he comes in there’s a little bit more confidence. I congratulated him earlier. That’s a nice honor and feather in your cap. I appreciate what he’s doing. He’s swinging the bat as well as he has in quite some time.”
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