Among the Los Angeles Dodgers who have swung the bat much better of late include Gavin Lux, who is 6-for-his-last-15 dating back to the series finale against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field.
The 23-year-old attributed his recent success to recent adjustments and studying film from his breakout season. “I looked at a lot of video of 2019 and just in my setup trying to start with the barrel pointed away from me a little more and a little more laid off and relaxed,” Lux said.
“I think that kind of gives my body some freedom and rhythm that I need that I felt I was missing a little bit. I think I kind of figured that out and definitely feel like I’m seeing the ball better now.”
Lux believes he finally has some momentum to build off after a slow start to the 2021 campaign. “I think anytime you can find some barrels early, especially just getting on the board with a hit in your first or second at-bat, it takes a little pressure off yourself going into the next few at-bats and it kind of loosens you up a little bit,” Lux said.
“So yeah, I think anytime you can start the game off with a knock, hard-hit ball or barrel, it kind of boosts your confidence a little bit. A little bit of momentum there, for sure.”
When asked if he ever reflects on previous seasons, Lux revealed he does so during workouts but likes to clear his mind for games. “I think it kind of goes both ways,” he said.
“Obviously you don’t want to be thinking so mechanically when you’re in the box trying to face a big league pitcher. But in your cage work and preparation before the game, I always try to lock in my mechanics. Or if I’m feeling a certain way, try to lock that in.
“I think starting with the barrel pointed a little more away and a little more relaxed, that’s been a really good cue and really good feel for me these last two or three games or so.”
Lux focused on ‘controlling tempo’ in batting cage with Dodgers hitting coaches
In addition to tweaking his mechanics, Lux explained his tempo was a major focus while working with the Dodgers hitting coaches. “Trying to control my tempo, gather and load. Sometimes I get a little sped up, which causes me to not see pitches great,” he said.
“Right now in the cage it’s all based on the tempo, my load and gather. Trying to be slow and early as possible. That’s really the main focus.
“Trying to stay away from the super mechanical stuff and switching focus to external thoughts, which is good. Especially once the game starts. Tempo is like the main focus right now.”
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