Dodgers Shortstop Gavin Lux Reacts to Playing First Game Since ACL Tear

Three-hundred-and-sixty days after tearing his ACL, Gavin Lux was back on the same field in Peoria to play the San Diego Padres in the Dodgers’ Cactus League opener.

Lux, who started in the designated hitter spot, got the opportunity to face some past demons on Thursday, and took it in stride.

Lux went 1-for-2 with a single, a walk and a run scored, but most importantly, cleared arguably the biggest mental hurdle left in his return to action — playing in a game.

After exiting the game, Lux detailed what it meant to be back out there.

“It just felt good to run around and be a baseball player again, especially coming back here where I literally blew it out,” Lux said. “It’s just fun to get some at-bats and feel normal again, do what you grew up doing.”

Lux has been honest about the difficult rehab process over the past year. It wasn’t easy for him to watch his teammates as he sat on the sidelines for the last year, but finally, he got the opportunity to get back to doing what he loves.

“It was a long year, so being a baseball player again is just the best thing I can ask for.”

Lux has no limitations this spring, according to manager Dave Roberts. After hitting and running the bases on Thursday, the last box he’ll have to check off is fielding. He should get an opportunity to start at shortstop in the next couple of days.

Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports