After a breakout season in the Minors, Gavin Lux entered the 2020 campaign with high expectations. He was the favorite to win the Los Angeles Dodgers’ starting job at second base, but struggled in Spring Training before MLB shut down due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
When teams were permitted to practice again in preparation of the abbreviated regular season, Lux was a late arrival to Summer Camp. The delay caused him to fall behind others, and he ultimately wound up appearing in only 19 games.
“It’s cliché but it was a learning experience,” Lux said of his disappointing 2020 season. “Honestly, now it’s in the past and I’m not thinking about it.
“I’m definitely moving forward. But it was a learning experience. It was probably a good thing for my career to struggle early on, learn how to deal with failure. So I think it was a good thing, honestly.”
Having shifted his focus to the 2021 season, Lux appears much more confident both at the plate and in the field. The former top prospect is hitting a stellar .356/.383/.511 with four doubles, one home run and six RBI in 23 Spring Training games.
Part of Lux’s success can be attributed to a different offseason approach. He spent the winter in L.A., where he refined his swing with the help of Dodgers director of player development Brandon McDaniel.
“I think just knowing I can get in a really good routine with people I’m going to be with every day during the season. I actually stayed with Brandon McDaniel and got a lot of good workouts with him,” Lux said.
“Got a lot of good meals, so was eating better, taking care of my body better. Overall, just being in L.A. was a better opportunity for everything I needed to do to get ready for the season.”
Lux compares offseason workouts at Dodger Stadium to non-game days in spring
Lux compared his offseason workouts at Dodger Stadium to those in the spring on non-game days. “Honestly, similar to the workdays on non-game days in the spring,” he said.
“Lift in the morning with Travis and Brandon McDaniel, and afternoon work of getting out and taking ground balls with Chris Taylor and Dino, and Dino turning around and throwing BP out on the field. I got into a good routine and it definitely was beneficial.”
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