The Los Angeles Dodgers‘ worst nightmare just became a reality.
Gavin Lux, who was expected to be the starting shortstop for the team that just lost Trea Turner to free agency, suffered a long-term injury that will keep him off the field for the entire season.
“Gavin Lux suffered a torn ACL and is expected to be out for the season, per manager Dave Roberts,” FOX Sports MLB tweeted.
Gavin Lux suffered a torn ACL and is expected to be out for the season, per manager Dave Roberts. pic.twitter.com/mr8jh442JI
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) February 28, 2023
It’s a crushing blow to the team, who just lost an above-average offensive player and one of their starters; and the player who had worked hard during the offseason to bulk up and increase his power.
Lux sustained the injury while running the bases this week, as he tripped while approaching third base in one of the Dodgers’ spring training games.
The team now has very little time to find a replacement from the outside, so they will likely use Miguel Rojas there.
Rojas has a solid glove, but is offensively-challenged and certainly does not come close to what Lux could offer with the bat.
There is a chance that the team goes out and acquires a middle infielder via trade at some point before the trade deadline.
Max Muncy will play third base and prospect Miguel Vargas will man second.
None of them is capable of playing shortstop, but Rojas is.
A torn ACL can require between six months and a year depending on the player’s recovery, but Lux should be ready for spring training in 2024.
Without a doubt, the Dodgers’ lineup just got a bit worse with this news.
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