Once presumed a favorite for National League Rookie of the Year honors, Gavin Lux’s 2020 season with the Los Angeles Dodgers has not gone according to plan.
After reporting late to Summer Camp and not looking like himself, he was optioned to the club’s alternate site at USC to refine his mechanics. Lux remained there until the end of August, when he was promoted to the active roster.
Lux now essentially is competing for a spot on the Dodgers’ postseason roster. He has received the majority of his opportunities at second base, appearing there in 15 of 16 games played to date.
Lux has committed three errors at the position, which already is one more than his total in 22 games last season. “Completely fine, honestly. I have no issues at all,” he said of his defensive woes.
“It’s baseball. You’re not going to make a perfect throw every time. For somebody to jump to a conclusion, I don’t think that’s the case at all, to be honest.”
Lux also has taken a step back offensively when compared to his first season with the Dodgers. Entering the final week of play, he’s batting just .169/.246/.356 with two doubles, three home runs and eight RBI in 65 plate appearances.
Lux revealed that he isn’t necessarily focused on his results, but rather the process of stringing together quality swings. “Just continue to have better at-bats,” he said.
“Obviously against Houston, I don’t think my at-bats were great by any means. So just continuing to put together good quality at-bats and trying to barrel the ball. I don’t even know if I’m 40 at-bats in, so still just getting comfortable and working hard.
“Just trying to control the at-bat quality and whatever happens after that is out of my control.”
After going 0-for-4 against the Houston Astros earlier this month, Lux is beginning to find more success at the plate.
Over the weekend against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field, Lux went a combined 3-for-13, hitting his third home run of the season and first since Sept. 8.
Lux: Time at Dodgers’ alternate training site was ‘needed’
Prior to rejoining the Dodgers in late August, Lux spent a little more than a month at USC. He explained what led to the demotion and why it was beneficial.
“I just didn’t feel comfortable in the box at that time,” Lux said of being optioned. “Going to USC and getting at-bats on a daily basis helped me feel what I needed to and iron some things out.
“Just take it for what it is, and that’s what I needed. I got a lot of at-bats, which was good.”
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in our shows, and more!
