Gavin Lux, the hopeful candidate for the starting shortstop position with the Los Angeles Dodgers, faces uncertainty as manager Dave Roberts hesitates to commit to him as the regular starter. Despite being 26 years old, Lux still needs to show significant progress to solidify his spot on the field.
Lux’s journey towards becoming the everyday shortstop was derailed last season due to a knee injury, which caused him to miss the entirety of the 2023 season. Now, with his return to full health, Lux is struggling with defensive issues. His performance in spring training has been lackluster, with errors on ground balls and trouble throwing accurately to first base. Roberts acknowledges that Lux is still adjusting to the demands of the major league and needs time to reach his full potential.
Lux’s offensive numbers in spring training seem promising, with a .348 batting average and a .423 on-base percentage in eight games. However, his path to claiming the starting shortstop role is obstructed by the presence of Shohei Ohtani as the designated hitter for the season. Veteran Miguel Rojas filled in at shortstop last year, providing stellar defense despite limited offensive contributions. The Dodgers face a time crunch in making a decision for Opening Day, set for March 20 against the San Diego Padres.
Gavin Lux’s journey towards becoming the Los Angeles Dodgers’ everyday shortstop is filled with challenges and uncertainties. While he shows promise offensively, Lux’s defensive struggles and competition within the team pose significant hurdles in his path. As the Opening Day approaches, Lux must showcase significant progress to prove himself worthy of claiming the coveted starting spot. Time will tell whether Lux can rise to the occasion and solidify his role within the team.
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