Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts Addresses Gavin Lux's Slow Defensive Start to Spring

Lux is taking things one day at a time.

The Dodgers are getting back one of their key players this season as infielder Gavin Lux is expected to take over the full-time shortstop position after recovering from a torn ACL. Lux tore his ACL last Spring Training, which forced him to miss the entire 2023 season.

He is back and ready to show what he can do, but it has been a slow start, especially on the defensive front. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts addressed the slow start for the young infielder after the team's game against the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday.

“With Gavin, it’s just more of continuing to run him out there so he can build confidence in how he’s catching the ball, his footwork and getting the ball across the diamond."

Per Dave Roberts via The OC Register

After any injury, it can take some time for players to fully get back up to game speed. But tearing an ACL adds additional strain, and Lux is working to feel comfortable in every aspect of his playing motions.

“I’m not going to let a small sample – right now – of what we’ve seen. I just expect it to keep getting better with repetitions.”

Per Dave Roberts via The OC Register

Even with the struggles, Roberts isn't too worried about Lux. He understands that it may take some time, which is what Spring Training is for.

“But I think we just have to understand that it still takes time to get back up to major-league speed and feel that once the bell rings that it’ll be there where it needs to be,” Roberts said.

Per Dave Roberts via The OC Register

The organization is very high on the upside of Lux, and he attacked his rehab very well. While there may be some growing pains along the way, the Dodgers are hopeful that he can show signs of being the former top prospect that he once was.