Dodgers' Lux out for season with torn ACL
Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Gavin Lux will miss the 2023 season after tearing the ACL in his right knee during Monday's Cactus League game, manager Dave Roberts announced Tuesday, according to Juan Toribio of MLB.com.
Lux also sustained a lateral collateral ligament (LCL) sprain on the play. He'll undergo knee surgery March 7.
Lux was hurt while running the bases during the Dodgers' game against the San Diego Padres. He had to be carted off the field and he underwent an MRI on Monday night.
(Video source: MLB.com)
An emotional Lux called it a "freak" injury that happened when his cleat got stuck in the dirt as he ducked under the third baseman's throw, according to Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times.
The 25-year-old was poised to take over as Los Angeles' everyday shortstop following the departure of Trea Turner. He spent the last two seasons in a utility role, primarily moving between second base, shortstop, and left field. Last year, Lux hit .276/.346/.399 with six homers, 42 RBIs, and a National League-leading seven triples over 129 games.
Just wanted to thank everyone for the thoughts and prayers, means more than you all know!
— Gavin Lux (@TheRealGavinLux) February 28, 2023
With Lux out, veteran Miguel Rojas is expected to receive "the brunt" of playing time at shortstop, Roberts said, according to Harris. Rojas, acquired from the Miami Marlins in January, is an excellent defensive shortstop but weaker offensively, sporting a lifetime .672 OPS across nine big-league seasons.
"It's unfortunate what happened to Luxy. But if that means me playing shortstop, that's what I need to do," the 34-year-old said earlier Tuesday, per Harris. "I prepared for this opportunity. I need to be ready for it."
#Dodgers Miguel Rojas said he texted Gavin Lux after he saw his injury yesterday: “‘Gavin please tell me you’re okay.’ But I didn’t hear back.”
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) February 28, 2023
Utility player Chris Taylor, who logged one inning at shortstop in 2022, is also beginning to prepare for more time at the position, according to David Vassegh of AM 570 Los Angeles. The infield shuffle could also result in star right fielder Mookie Betts - who began his career as a second baseman and has made occasional appearances there with L.A. - getting more time at the keystone, Roberts added.
Other players who could factor into the Dodgers' re-jigged middle-infield mix include prospects Miguel Vargas, Yonny Hernandez, and Michael Busch, as well as veteran Max Muncy.
Veteran shortstop Jose Iglesias is among the free-agent options still available if the Dodgers choose to look outside the organization.