Dave Roberts Reveals How Gavin Lux Took News of Moving Off Shortstop for Dodgers
The past few days have been a whirlwind about the Dodgers shortstop position. On Thursday, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was non-committal with reporters when discussing who would start at short on opening day.
Then, on Friday, they officially moved Gavin Lux to second base and Mookie Betts to shortstop.
Betts took it about as well as anyone could have expected. He cited just wanting to win and does not care what position on the diamond he plays.
When Roberts was asked by reporters, including Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times, how Lux took it, it seems the 26-year-old echoed the veteran’s sentiment,
His response was, ‘I just want to win. I just want to help this team win and be a part of what we’re doing.’ Obviously, there’s some disappointment. I’d be surprised if there weren’t. But he’s a professional and he’s gonna embrace being our starting second baseman.
Dave Roberts to Jack Harris of the L.A. Times
Moving positions can be jarring for a player, especially when it’s from a lack of performance. Lux has yet to comment about the move himself, but his manager and teammates seem to be saying the right things.
Betts called Lux after he got the news about the move. He told the former minor league player of the year that the goal remains the same and all that changes is his view of home plate.
In their first game after the switch, it was clear that this would be an adjustment. Betts could not backhand the first ball hit his way which resulted in a single. Then, on the next play, Lux could not turn the double play as his throw to first was not in time.
The Dodgers infield defense was already a question heading into the season, and now it’s even more magnified with two weeks until opening day in South Korea.
Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
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Like with any profession especially with the top tier professionals you might be traded or sent down if you can’t perform. After Bellinger had his surgery he couldn’t hit his way out of a paper bag, but was a great center fielder. The infield positions are crucial.