Dodgers’ Gavin Lux Confident His Shortstop Defense Will Improve
The Los Angeles Dodgers are only two-plus weeks away from their two-game series at Seoul to kick off the regular season. The first regular season games ever to be played in South Korea will kick off an unprecedented 2024 season.
All eyes will be on the Boys in Blue this year. The Dodgers are entering their only off-day of spring training with a 9-2 record — a useless number that still manages to justify the hype of a billion-dollar offseason. Several of the Dodgers' players seem to be in mid-season form.
There are exceptions to the rule, some more prominent than others. Shortstop Gavin Lux's defense is sticking out like a sore thumb.
Lux made errors on each of his first two chances in Cactus League play. It's still early, and he is so far confident he could turn things around soon. Lux spoke to reporters, including Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times, explaining what he needs to work on and the guidance he's receiving from veteran Miguel Rojas.
“For me, it’s just simplifying everything — catch the ball, throw the ball. The cues are things you say in your head over and over and get you back to where you need to be. … Miggy has been great. In my opinion, he’s probably the best defensive shortstop in baseball, so I’m just trying to pick his brain as much as possible.”
The 26-year-old has struggled at times through his outing at shortstop. In his first Cactus League game, he bounced his first throw past first base for an error. He also bobbled the second grounder hit to him and threw late and low to first base for another error last week.
For the former top Dodger prospect, it was an unwelcome reminder of the early struggles he endured attempting to break into the major leagues at second base. However, those prospect days are behind him.
Granted, Lux is returning from a torn ACL he suffered last spring training, so acclimating to the pace of major league games will be a process. Soon, however, the Dodgers expect him to be the player they penciled in to their starting shortstop's job. Thus far, hasn't found his groove.
Lux is confident he will return to form by the time the team gets to Seoul.
“I feel free on that side of [second] base to run through balls, where at second base, with that close throw [to first], it’s a little awkward coming into balls, you’ve got to throw back towards the other side. I grew up playing shortstop, so I think overall, once I get my legs back under me, I’m going to be much more comfortable.”
The former top prospect is back in his natural position and needs reps to get his timing back.
