Dodgers News: Miguel Rojas Defends Gavin Lux’s Slow Start to Spring on Defense
Despite making his major league debut with the Dodgers five years ago, Gavin Lux is still finding his footing. After his 2019 debut, he appeared in just 20 games the following year due to the COVID-shortened season, then primarily played second base in 2021 and 2022.
In 2023, the Dodgers were ready to give him the reins as the everyday shortstop, Lux’s natural position. Unfortunately, an ACL tear suffered in spring training ended his season before it started.
This year, Lux returns to the field, but he’s had a rocky start defensively. He committed an error on the first two balls hit to him. He nearly sailed another throw over the first baseman’s head.
Lux’s teammate, veteran shortstop Miguel Rojas, does not seem concerned regarding Lux’s lackluster defense this spring.
“I think right now his internal clock is kind of off. He doesn’t know how much time he has to get the guy out at first base or if he’s gonna be late. It’s a weird feeling, and I understand him … because I suffer from the same thing.”
— Miguel Rojas via the Los Angeles Times
What Rojas might lack at the plate, he makes up for in spades with his glove. In 2023, he ranked in the 91st percentile in outs-above-average according to Statcast.
If Rojas does not seem concerned, that’s an optimistic sign regarding Lux moving forward. This spring training, Lux has been watching Rojas closely in an attempt to improve his defense.
If what Rojas says is true, then at least they have identified the problem. With that knowledge, the Dodgers’ coaching staff can put a plan together to help Lux with his timing on throws to first base.
It’s still just spring training. Lux has plenty of time to clean up his mistakes before playing regular season games. The Korea series against the San Diego Padres on March 20 and 21 will be his first chance at real competition.
However, after that series, he will still have another week to work on things before the rest of the season begins against the St. Louis Cardinals on March 28.
Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
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I don’t think so. It is not about finding his footing, it is not about an internal clock. The guy just can’t throw the ball, a really bad feature for a shortstop. He looks like Steve Sax during his yippy days.
playing infield is about doing this:
1. coming in on the ball — don’t let the ball play you
2. receive the ball (follow it with your hands)
3. shuffle once or twice
4. throw in rhythm from the “archer” position
Internal clock, footwork, or the yips, Lux is not a shortstop. Even before his injury, he looked lost and confused on defense with too much on his plate. He doesn’t have the mindset and savvy of a shortstop (forgetting to cover bases), the gamesmanship of creating outs and cutting down runners. Being sloppy and nonchalant on defense only put more pressure on the pitchers with longer innings.
I’m happy they finally realized that he is not the man for that position. At this level there are no excuses and felling sorry for yourself.
Also with a left-handed pitcher, either CT3 or Kike should be starting in place of Lux.