Dodgers’ Gavin Lux Won’t Go Back to Shortstop in 2024
When the Dodgers decided to move Gavin Lux from shortstop to second base in the middle of spring training, manager Dave Roberts called the move “permanent, for now.”
In an interview with Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain at the Gocheok Sky Dome in South Korea on Saturday, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman offered further clarity, suggesting the position swap is in effect for Lux for at least the rest of 2024.
“Right now we’re still focused on the now. We are very confident that he possesses the abilities coming off a major knee surgery. There’s just more emphasis on how connected your body is, to make the throw from short, and at second it’s easier. It’s less pressure on that. But coming off a major knee injury, we weren’t synced up yet. We didn’t have much time to go before we started. So we did that for now and we’ll evaluate as we get into the offseason next year.”
— Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman
Lux appeared in 10 Cactus League games at shortstop. Although he was only charged with two errors at the position (on 10 chances), he routinely misfired throws to first base.
Some of the same issues cropped up in Lux’s three games at second base, but the team is more confident in the 26-year-old’s ability to adapt to the shorter throwing distance.
Lux did not play in 2023 after tearing two ligaments in his right knee in spring training.
In 2022, his last full season, Lux hit .276 with a .346 on-base percentage and seven triples as the team’s primary number-9 hitter. At least his bat picked up where it left off in spring training; Lux batted .281 with a .343 on-base percentage in 32 at-bats in Cactus League play.
Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
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This Dodgers team is in a position to be one of the most prolific offensive teams in history. That lineup is dangerous. Roberts keeps saying that the Dodgers need Lux’s bat in the lineup. NO THEY DON’T! What they need is defense at the shortstop position. Putting Rojas at short, and keeping Mookie at 2nd is what the Dodgers should have done. Mookie is a great athlete, but making a move of that magnitude days before the season opener is a desperate move. Hope it doesn’t cost them.
I agree with Gary, also Houston Mitchell, and probably a thousand other Dodger fans. There are two positions that place throwing accuracy and velocity at a premium, more than other positions – 3rd base and short. Sidearm flips are OK at second base, as the body is often facing sideways to first base. But on the left side, accurate throws are mostly overhand. Lux flips the ball sidearm – every time. That doesn’t cut it on the left side, and even at second he has proven weak at throwing.
Makes me wonder how he grew up being a shortstop.
Lux is still a big liability at second. A stronger lineup is a healthy Rojas at short and Mookie at second. Rojas is an experienced, defensive and savvy shortstop that knows how to play that critical position. Infield is already weak with Muncy at third and having Rojas on the left side will help shore up the defense. Having a 100% healthy Rojas and experienced leadership is a big upgrade from Lux in the lineup. Rojas is more than adequate as the nine hole hitter in advancing runners up for the top of the order. Work this lineup until Lux can rehab and get more confidence in his legs and arm, maybe some time in the minors.