UPDATE (Sept. 1, 5:45 p.m. PT): Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed Gavin Lux will join the team and make his MLB debut Monday.
In the midst of a phenomenal season filled with many accolades, Gavin Lux appears to have earned yet another honor as the Los Angeles Dodgers reportedly are poised to call up their top prospect from Triple-A Oklahoma City, according to Ron Cervenka of ThinkBlueLA.
Lux opened up his 2019 campaign with Double-A Tulsa, where he thrived to the tune of a .313/.375/.521 batting line in 64 games. All-in-all, he accumulated seven doubles, four triples, 13 home runs, 37 RBI and seven stolen bases over 291 plate appearances.
Lux was one of eight Dodgers prospects to represent the Drillers in the 2019 Texas League All-Star Game. At the end of June, he earned a spot on the National League roster for the 2019 MLB Futures Game, joining fellow top prospect Dustin May.
After showcasing his talents in front of a national audience, Lux received his first career promotion to Triple-A Oklahoma City. He promptly recorded at least one hit in 16 consecutive games to begin his stint with the Dodgers’ top Minor League affiliate — a stretch that included a trio of four-hit games, one five-hit performance and a five-game home run streak.
Lux’s unbelievable run in July culminated with Pacific Coast League Player of the Month honors. He was sought by many teams at the MLB trade deadline, but the Dodgers held firm and did not make him available in any deal — even during discussions for Pittsburgh Pirates closer Felipe Vazquez.
Lux received further recognition at the end of July when he ascended to the No. 10 spot in MLB Pipeline’s top-100 midseason update. Other Dodgers prospects to crack the rankings include May, Keibert Ruiz and Will Smith.
In 49 games with Oklahoma City, Lux batted .392/.478/.719 with 18 doubles, 13 home runs and 39 RBI. In 113 overall games this season, the young shortstop is batting .347/.421/.607 with 59 extra-base hits, 76 RBI and 10 stolen bases.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts had long hinted at Lux joining the team in September, though he initially declined to specify whether it would be as a member of the active roster or for an apprenticeship — like Smith experienced last year.
Roberts then revealed the Dodgers were giving serious consideration to calling Lux up with an opportunity to play. It’s presumed the 21-year-old will see time at second base in light of Max Muncy sustaining a right wrist fracture.
