Dodgers News: Gavin Lux Optioned to Alternate Training Site
In a sort of surprising move, the Dodgers have decided to option infielder Gavin Lux to the alternate training site. The move comes just one day after manager Dave Roberts announced that the starting second base job was going to be up for grabs.
For Lux, he was fighting an uphill battle in his attempt to retain his starting job at second base. After arriving at Dodgers Summer Camp later than everyone else, his swing did not look quite right. Lux got into just a few intrasquad games before getting two at-bats in Sunday’s exhibition. He struck out twice in that game and looked lost at the plate.
Roberts talked with the media about Lux not getting into games this week, and pointed out that others would get a chance at second base. Max Muncy, Chris Taylor, and Enrique Hernandez will all be guys getting reps there throughout the season. It appears as though Gavin Lux will not be a part of that revolving door early on. The Dodgers sent him to the alternate site to work on some things while the season starts.
More from the Dodgers’ press release:
Lux, 22, played in 23 games last year for the Dodgers, batting .240 (18-for-75) with two homers and nine RBI. He made his Major League debut on September 2, going 2-for-5 with three runs scored against Colorado. Prior to joining the Dodgers, the Kenosha, WI native split time between Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Oklahoma City, batting a combined .347 (159-for-523) with 26 homers and 76 RBI in 113 games. He has been with the Dodgers organization since being drafted in the first round of the 2016 First-Year Player Draft from Indian Trail High School. In four minor league seasons, across five levels, he has hit a combined .305 (481-for-1801) with 48 homers and 193 RBI.
Dodgers fans shouldn’t worry too much about the number one prospect in the organization. He does need some time to get his swing right and to catch up with Major League pitching. Lux will get his reps in at the alternate site and should be back up with the big league team in no time.
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It’s a good reminder that playing time on this team needs to be earned. I was watching him in the AZ game the other night and he didn’t look ready, even to my untrained eye.
How important is it to get a fast start in a shortened season? No time for Lux to struggle out of the gate. He needs lots of reps, but not in the majors right now….. in this season especially.
So now they use their heads but during the stretch run last year this guy was starting all the way through the playoffs. More bafflement
Good. Never understood why he was even the starting 2nd baseman in the playoffs and everyone hyping him to be starting in 2020.