Gavin Lux, a shortstop for the Dodgers, tore his ACL and LCL in his right knee on Monday in Arizona, manager Dave Roberts revealed on Tuesday (per MLB.com). Lux slipped as he was transitioning from second to third and had to change his course to prevent a throw. He will miss the majority of the 2023 season due to the injury.
On the post-game broadcast, Roberts stated, “Right now we’re in the ‘hope’ phase” (via Mike DiGiovanna). “It’s challenging. All I can do is wish for the best.”
In spring, the 25-year-old Lux was supposed to replace the Dodgers’ regular shortstop. Before to his departure via free agency following the 2021 season, it had been Corey Seager’s position for a spell. At that point, Trea Turner reverted to his original position. Turner also signed with another company this past offseason, so Lux should be good to go—assuming this injury doesn’t end up costing him the entire season.
Lux, a shortstop who was selected by the Dodgers in the first round out of high school in 2016, spent the majority of his time in the minor leagues and was once regarded as one of the top five prospects in baseball. He played some shortstop, some left field, and 93 starts at second base last season. He had a.276/.346/.399 batting line (105 OPS+) in 471 plate appearances with 20 doubles, seven triples, six home runs, 42 RBI, 66 runs, seven stolen bases, and 2.5 WAR.
Even though Chris Taylor only played shortstop for one inning all of last season, the Dodgers will likely start Miguel Rojas at short. Yet, it’s feasible that he may get some time there this year. Another possibility is that they might hire someone from outside the company.
