When the Los Angeles Dodgers reported for the start of Spring Training, the notion that Gavin Lux would be included on a potential postseason roster for the National League Division Series was essentially a forgone conclusion.
After assuming the starting role at second base upon making his MLB debut last season, Lux was expected to remain there this year. However, there were signs late into Spring Training of that not being the case and the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic ultimately sealed that.
Lux reported late to Summer Camp for an undisclosed reason and never quite found his footing in the compressed time before Opening Day. He was optioned to the Dodgers’ alternate training site and didn’t join the team until August.
Lux still struggled at the plate and was left off the active roster for the Wild Card Series. However, he and Dylan Floro were additions for the NLDS, and Lux is mindful of appreciating the chance to be part of another playoff run, via SportsNet LA:
“It means a lot. I get the experience, it’s a big bonus, a lot of guys talk about people going their whole career without getting an opportunity to play in the postseason. To be 2-for-2 in my first two years is pretty cool. … I remember Max Muncy told me that last year and it kind of hit home. You don’t know how many chances and opportunities you’re going to get to play in the postseason. I’ve got to enjoy it.”
Although Lux was not active, the Dodgers included the former National League Rookie of the Year favorite on their taxi squad in the Wild Card round. Unsurprisingly, Lux has yet to appear in either of the first two NLDS games.
Chris Taylor became the regular second baseman and prior to the playoffs beginning, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts indicated that would carry into October.
Dodgers hopeful Rios will recover
Lux being added to the NLDS roster essentially was a byproduct of Edwin Rios suffering a groin injury during a workout two days before Game 1. Roberts said the hope is Rios will make a full recovery and be on the roster if the Dodgers advance to the NL Championship Series.
That would appear to spell trouble for Lux, though there is an outside chance he would be kept active in favor of Terrance Gore, who earned a spot over Keibert Ruiz as a third catcher for the NLDS.
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