Dodgers Starting Shortstop Job May Be Opening Up With Recent Gavin Lux Struggles
Could Gavin Lux's job as shortstop be in jeopardy?
Though Lux was aiming to be the Dodgers' everyday shortstop in 2024, he has struggled through Spring Training so far. Lux has missed throws to first base on multiple occasions this spring, and these misses have proven crucial in the Dodgers' defensive efforts, allowing batters to get on base when they could have been an easy out.
While Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has defended Lux this week, he would not commit to naming Lux as the team's Opening Day shortstop on Thursday. Roberts maintains that he and the team are still confident in Lux, but winning has to be the priority.
“The No. 1 goal for us to win baseball games. So whatever we have to do…whatever we do is going to be in the best interest of winning.”
“Performance is paramount at this level…I don’t know what’s going to happen.”
— Dave Roberts, via The Athletic's Fabian Ardaya.
While Roberts has not said that Lux won't retain his slated role at shortstop, Lux clearly has not done anything to solidify the role.
Lux is returning to action after missing the entire 2023 season with a torn ACL, but his throwing issues have called his role into question as the Dodgers approach Opening Day in 13 days, when they take on the San Diego Padres in the Seoul Series.
With only seven Cactus League games remaining before the Dodgers leave for Seoul, Korea, Lux has a limited amount of time to ease the concerns surrounding his throwing and shortstop play. If he can't, there's a chance the Dodgers may turn to an alternative option like Miguel Rojas, Kiké Hernández or Chris Taylor.
