The production the Los Angeles Dodgers have received from rookies this season has been exceptional, whether it be position players Alex Verdugo, Will Smith, Matt Beaty and Kyle Garlick or pitchers Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin.
Each has seemingly found immediate success and made some sort of an impact. The next big prospect who could be on the way is 21-year-old Gavin Lux, who is having a monster season between Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Oklahoma City.
In 104 combined games between the two affiliates, the shortstop has hit .354/.425/.616 with 24 doubles, 24 home runs, 94 runs scored, 72 RBI and 10 stolen bases. He has been on a tear since earning a promotion to OKC, batting .415/.497/.768 with 17 doubles, 11 home runs and 33 RBI in 39 games.
Lux reaching that level of success made him untouchable at the trade deadline, and talks of when he will be promoted to the Major Leagues have long begun. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently said at minimum Lux will be up with the club in September to get used to the daily grind of an MLB player, as was the case with Smith in 2018.
Lux has played mostly shortstop in his Minor League career, but considering the Dodgers are essentially set at that position with Corey Seager, he has also played some second base this season.
In an interview with Pedro Moura of The Athletic, Lux revealed he asked for increased time at second base in anticipation of making an impact the big league level:
Lux has taken an active role in designing his development. For much of the summer, a nagging hamstring injury meant he rarely attempted stolen bases, but he recently decided to try more often for improvement’s sake. And the Dodgers obliged his request for more time at second base.
“I just want to be ready for whatever possibility happens,” he said. “The more versatile you can be, the better.”
Second base has been a bit of a revolving door once again for the Dodgers this season with Kiké Hernandez, Chris Taylor and Max Muncy all seeing time there.
Muncy has taken control of that position in recent weeks, but considering he can also play first base, there could potentially be an opening for the Dodgers to give Lux some opportunities at some point.
Even if Lux does not get a true opportunity this season, he should head into Spring Training in 2020 with a legit chance to earn a starting spot on the Opening Day roster.
