What will the Dodgers do with Gavin Lux?

It feels like it’s been a while, but remember Gavin Lux?

Lost in the craziness of the trade deadline and everything that has gone on with the team over the last few weeks, the Dodgers have been without Lux since right after the All-Star break.

Three weeks ago he hurt his hamstring in Colorado and we haven’t seen or heard much from him. On Sunday while speaking with the media, Dave Roberts gave an update on Lux, saying he would begin a rehab-assignment in Oklahoma City. Well, what if his rehab assignment turns into more of a permanent stay for Lux?

To put it kindly, it’s been a struggle for him in 2021. He’s hitting .226 with an OPS of .656. Lux isn’t really hitting for power either, as he has only six home runs. This was supposed to be the year Lux would run away with the full-time second base job. Now, he’s all but lost it.

At the moment, there’s no room for Lux to start. Corey Seager is healthy again, and oh by the way All-Star Trea Turner is the teams new second baseman. Even after that, Chris Taylor and Max Muncy will see reps at second base before Lux. With a crowded lineup, there’s simply no room for him. So, what will happen?

Well, there are two options here. The Dodgers can keep Lux as a depth piece on the bench and use him in pinch-hit or pinch-run situations. Barring injuries or needing to give multiple players time off, it’s tough to see Lux cracking the starting lineup at any point. At the moment, the Dodgers’ bench consists of Cody Bellinger, Austin Barnes, Albert Pujols, Matt Beaty, Zach Reks and Billy McKinney.

The Dodgers won’t be carrying a six-man bench for much longer, so it’ll likely go back down to five, or maybe even four if the Dodgers need more pitching. Bellinger, Barnes and Pujols are locks to remain on the bench. Leaving one spot left, maybe two. With Beaty’s ability to play the infield and outfield, you’d think he gets a spot. Plus, McKinney adds outfield depth and has been a fine option since the trade.

So, where’s room for Lux?

Well, there’s a chance the Dodgers could keep him in Oklahoma City. It would be beneficial for him to see consistent playing time and consistent at bats as opposed to sitting on the bench and seeing maybe a few at bats a week. Lux could work on a few things and hopefully tap into what he was doing for OKC years ago.

We’ve seen guys like Zach McKinstry, Luke Raley, Sheldon Neuse and others thrive in OKC but struggle in the big-leagues, but maybe time in Triple-A would be beneficial for Lux. He’s still only 23 years old and the Dodgers clearly value him as a piece of the young core. It’s just tough to see him making much of an impact with the big-league club.

Ultimately, I think once he’s ready to go he’s back with the Dodgers, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they keep him in OKC for some time. LA will have a tough decision in the coming weeks on what to do with him.

Links

• Bob Nightengale from USA Today Sports spoke with Cody Bellinger about his struggles during the 2021 season
• Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic posted his latest ‘Dodger Details’, going over a lot that happened over the previous week
• Adam Weinrib from Dodgers Way writes about why the Dodgers should be calling on Andre Jackson in the coming weeks
• ICYMI: Jack Harris from The LA Times writes about Fernando Valenzuela having fond memories of his brief stint with the Angels 30 years ago