Dodgers: Gavin Lux Nearing Return, Heading to Alternate Site this Weekend
The Dodgers have been in an offensive slump these past few days. And with multiple starters on the injured list while others struggle to get it going at the plate, there hasn’t been much room for error either.
Cody Bellinger and Gavin Lux are still on the IL with injuries, forcing the team to dip into their minor league depth. Meanwhile, utility players Chris Taylor and Zach McKinstry were both scratched from Thursday’s contest with lower back tightness. Put the two together and you get a starting lineup that featured both Luke Raley and Sheldon Neuse in the series opener against San Diego. As great as the potential is for both of these players going forward, having to rely on them this early on is not something the team was hoping for.
Luckily for the Dodgers, reinforcements may be on the way as early as next week. Prior to Thursday night’s game against the Padres, Dave Roberts spoke with the media and provided an update on the condition of Gavin Lux, who could return to the club very soon.
Yeah. He’s gonna drive up to Arizona I think tonight and he’ll take at-bats Friday and Saturday, see how Sunday is. If need be, he’ll take some at-bats on Sunday and come join us on Monday if all goes well.
Lux was placed on the IL this past Sunday with wrist soreness and will be eligible to be activated as early as this weekend. While the wrist injury has kept him from taking at-bats until this point, he was seen fielding ground balls at Dodgers Stadium in preparation for his return.
Related: Padres have a long way to go to catch LA’s approach to injured players
The Dodgers have the depth to be able to operate without a key player here and there, but this depth has been tested more than anyone could have guessed to start the season. By taking the cautious route, the team is prioritizing their player’s health and wellbeing above the wins and losses early on, which should only benefit them as the season progresses. Here’s hoping that the return of Gavin Lux will bring some energy to an otherwise stagnant offense.
NEXT: Watch Cody Bellinger Take Live BP Recovering From His Injury
