The Los Angeles Dodgers placed Gavin Lux on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to April 16) due to right wrist soreness and recalled Sheldon Neuse ahead of Sunday’s series finale against the San Diego Padres.
Lux was scratched from the lineup on Thursday because of the right wrist trouble, and though there had been improvement in the time since, the Dodgers felt it best to provide him with necessary time to make a full recovery.
“Just kind of where he’s at, the wrist, it’s just smart to give him some extra time,” manager Dave Roberts explained. “Obviously Gavin wants to be in there, but I think the smartest thing to do is to make sure he’s 100% so hopefully we don’t have to deal with this issue going forward.”
Even with Lux being removed from the lineup for the finale of the three-game set with the Colorado Rockies, he did appear as a pinch-runner late in the game. That was the only capacity Lux was available for, and it was needed because AJ Pollock experienced left groin tightness.
Both players were considered day-to-day heading into the weekend, Pollock appeared off the bench in each of the first two games and now is slated to start in left field on Sunday. Meanwhile, Lux did begin swinging the bat but overall that remained a trouble spot.
“The legs, the throwing, not really a problem with the wrist,” Roberts noted. “But it’s the swinging of the bat. With that body part, one swing could set you back. It’s just not worth it for Gavin and for us.”
Roberts anticipates Lux coming off the IL once he is eligible on Monday, April 26, when the Dodgers begin a three-game home series with the Cincinnati Reds.
Neuse making Dodgers debut
Neuse not only is on the active roster for the first time this season, but he’s making his Dodgers debut against the Padres. Roberts anticipates relying on Neuse, Zach McKinstry and Chris Taylor at second base while Lux is out.
Neuse was acquired along with Gus Varland in February when the Dodgers traded Adam Kolarek and Cody Thomas to the Oakland Athletics. Neuse is capable of playing first base, second base and third base.
