Dodgers News: Gavin Lux Finally Returns to the Starting Lineup
Batting ninth and starting at second base for your Los Angeles Dodgers, number 9… Gavin Lux!
After being sidelined with a neck issue for the last two-plus weeks, Lux finally returns to the starting lineup for the Dodgers. The 24 year old had been in the midst of his finest season as a big leaguer so far. In a career-high 115 games, he’s slashed .293/.368/.428 with 18 doubles, a league-leading 7 triples, 6 home runs and 42 runs batted in.
DN #lineupfun! #Dodgers @ #Giants #WinForVin
Game 144 of 162 | 6:05 PM PT pic.twitter.com/jsrfiIAgf0— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) September 17, 2022
While the Dodgers have been fine with Lux out of the lineup — 17-4 record since his last game — his return gives Dave Roberts another valuable weapon on offense. Lux has been particularly solid in keeping the line moving near the bottom of the lineup this season. He’s combined to go 77-250 (.308 BA) while hitting in the eight and nine hole over 80 games.
Related: Gavin Lux Has ‘Gone Under Freddie Freeman’s Wing’ This Season
With the calendar ticking closer to postseason baseball, the starting lineup appears to be in as good of a spot as it has been all season long. The top of the order with Mookie Betts, Trea Turner, and Freddie Freeman has been possibly the best 1-2-3 punch in baseball in 2022. Will Smith, Max Muncy, and Justin Turner have been consistent run producers in the middle of the order since the All-Star break. And now the return of Lux extends the bottom third of the order with some combination of Trayce Thompson, Joey Gallo, Chris Taylor, and Cody Bellinger, filling in around Gavin.
The Dodgers and Lux face the Giants and opener John Brebbia in San Francisco tonight with first pitch set for 6:05 PM PT on SportsNet LA.
NEXT: Dodgers Insider Expects Multiple Teams in on Trea Turner Free Agency Sweepstakes
