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The Dodgers are confronted with a shocking shortstop query halfway by Spring Coaching. Anticipated starter Gavin Lux has been charged with a pair of errors in his first 10 1/3 innings of exhibition work. Lux has had just a few extra erratic moments, skipping a pair of throws to first base however being bailed out on scoops by Freddie Freeman.
His throwing accuracy is regarding sufficient it may influence his spot within the lineup at first of the season. “I don’t know,” supervisor Dave Roberts replied when requested if Lux can be the Opening Day shortstop (hyperlink through Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times). “Clearly, efficiency is paramount at this stage for a workforce vying to win a championship. So I don’t know what’s going to occur, however I do know that will probably be within the vein of no matter provides us one of the best likelihood to win.”
All through the offseason, the L.A. entrance workplace maintained that Lux was going to be the common shortstop. They reportedly thought of commerce potentialities, notably Milwaukee’s Willy Adames, however clearly had Lux atop the inner choices. Which may nonetheless be the case, however Roberts’ feedback add some urgency for him to type out his throwing.
This isn’t the primary time that he has struggled with seemingly easy throws. He battled his accuracy at instances within the minors, which he conceded was tied to nervousness. That’s a part of the explanation the Dodgers moved the one-time prime prospect to second base early in his profession, though Corey Seager and Trea Turner had blocked his path to shortstop anyhow. Los Angeles was ready to maneuver Lux again to shortstop final 12 months. A Spring Coaching ACL tear as an alternative ended his season earlier than it started.
Enjoying on the proper facet of the infield suited him effectively. He was charged with 5 throwing errors over 819 2/3 second base innings in 2022. That’s the next than common charge however actually not untenable. Public defensive metrics have graded him as an above-average second baseman general because of his plus vary.
Mookie Betts is transferring to the keystone this 12 months. That will bump Lux to shortstop however clearly locations additional stress on his arm. Signing Shohei Ohtani means the Dodgers will want Max Muncy to play commonly at third base. Muncy is a below-average defender, placing somewhat extra strain on the L.A. shortstop to compensate.
That’s a part of the explanation that Adames, one of many sport’s prime defensive infielders, was an interesting goal. Fabian Ardaya of the Athletic wrote this night that the Dodgers have continued curiosity in Adames, however Milwaukee stays reluctant to half with him. The Brewers have Joey Ortiz readily available as a possible shortstop alternative, however they might must depend on Ortiz at both second or third base all through the season. Adames can also be a robust presence within the Milwaukee clubhouse and a stable offensive contributor as an annual risk for 25-30 homers.
A preseason Adames commerce appears unlikely with roughly two weeks till Opening Day. He’d absolutely come up in deadline talks if Milwaukee falls out of competition, however they’ll make a push to defend their title in a wide-open NL Central.
It’d in all probability take that sort of important improve for the Dodgers to look outdoors the group. They’ve choices to solidify the protection in the event that they’re not offered on Lux dealing with the place in the mean time. Miguel Rojas stays a plus defender. He owns a .236/.286/.322 batting line over the previous two seasons, so the Dodgers would like to maintain him in a depth position, however there’s no query Rojas may greater than capably deal with the place. He’d be a big offensive downgrade from Lux, who hit .276/.346/.399 in 2022.
Enrique Hernández and Chris Taylor are utility gamers who may cowl shortstop at instances. Betts even began 12 video games there a 12 months in the past. There’s no indication the Dodgers are contemplating taking part in Betts at shortstop full time, however that’s a theoretical risk that may enable them to maintain Lux at second base.
In fact, the perfect consequence is that Lux settles in as he continues to construct his defensive workload. It’s honest to anticipate some quantity of rust in all aspects for a participant getting back from a year-long damage absence. His minor league points make the current throws extra alarming, but it surely’s potential he’ll get more and more comfy with extra reps. The Dodgers begin the season early with a two-game set towards the Padres in South Korea on March 20-21.
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