Editorials

Dodgers: Is the Second Base Job Gavin Lux’s to Lose? Roberts Gives Him a Runway

The time is now for the Dodgers and second baseman Gavin Lux… same as it was last season. A rough 2020 admittedly left the infield prospect with a “bad taste in his mouth.” He struggled on both sides of the ball and was left off the postseason roster, ultimately watching his club win the World Series from the bench.

He doesn’t want that in 2021.



Early conversations around Dodgers camp seem to be pointing to the now 23-year-old as the preferred starting second baseman of Dave Roberts and company. On Monday, we took a dive into the simple question, is the second base job Gavin Lux’s to lose?

WATCH

https://youtu.be/0PN6okgz8kI

According to Dave Roberts, Lux is getting all the chances in the world to secure the gig this season.

Every day he’s going to go out there and keep getting better. I do think giving him a runway to play second base, I think is a good thing for him, and a good thing for the Dodgers.

Related: Gavin Lux Eager to Get Into Spring Games and Prove He Belongs

Last season, everything went wrong for Lux. He arrived late to summer camp after the layoff. He hit only .175. And he struggled on defense, particularly with his throws. Aiming to rebound and make up for lost time, Gavin put in a lot of work at Dodger Stadium this offseason, as he told am570’s Dave Vassegh.

It’s a better opportunity to be with guys you’re going to be with during the season. Guys that are really smart, who care about you getting better. For me, it was kind of a no brainer to be out there and getting my work in and being with the coaches I’m going to be with this year and in the future.

Of the coaches, Lux mentioned strength and conditioning coach Brandon McDaniel, hitting coach Robert Van Scoyoc, and oatmeal enthusiast third base coach Dino Ebel, who hit him ground balls around the infield throughout the winter.

A productive Gavin Lux makes an already great Dodgers team that much better in 2021. If he’s able to secure that second base spot — and it seems like he could — Chris Taylor will be free to move all around the field and help keep bodies rested as we jump from 60 games to 162.

NEXT: Roberts Admits Three Young Arms Could Get Pushed to the Bullpen

Clint Pasillas

Clint Pasillas has been writing, blogging, and podcasting about the Los Angeles Dodgers since 2008. Under Clint's leadership as the Lead Editor, Dodgers Nation has grown into one of the most read baseball sites in the world with millions of unique visitors per month. Find him online on Twitter/X or his YouTube channel!

6 Comments

  1. Nothing is free. Lux has to earn it. Taylor hit 270 with 800+ OPS last year. His RHB needs to be in the lineup somewhere especially against LHPs.

    1. I hope Lux earns it and plays against RHP. Taylor can play 2nd against LHP. Win-win. Go Dodgers!

  2. I for one am already tired of hearing about this jump to 162 from 60. These tams have been playing 162 games for years & years now. This is not going to be an issue. Stop writing about it .It’s irrelevant.

    1. Sorry to disagree, but it is going to be an issue. 60 game season is a sprint. 162 game season is a marathon. different events require different training and skills. Just the fact Friedman went out and got another great starter says there is concern for the starters having thrown only a third as much as a normal season, and Price didn’t go at all. Go Dodgers!

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