Dodgers shortstop Gavin Lux injured his right knee during Monday afternoon’s Cactus League game against the Padres (video provided by SportsNet LA).
While running from second to third base on a Luke Williams grounder, Lux stumbled trying to avoid a throw from San Diego third baseman Jantzen Witte.
A visibly disappointed Lux was helped onto a cart and taken off the field without putting any weight on his leg. After the game, manager Dave Roberts told reporters the infielder felt a pop in the outer area of his knee, via Juan Toribio of MLB.com and Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times.
“Right now we’re in the ’hope’ phase. It’s a tough one. I’m just hoping for the best,” the manager said.
Lux is headed for an MRI Monday evening. The club will likely provide some kind of update over the next day or two once those results come back.
Obviously, it’s a worrisome start to exhibition play for Los Angeles. If healthy, Lux is poised to take on a key role in the L.A. infield. The 25-year-old hit .276/.346/.399 with a 10% walk rate and 20.2% strikeout percentage in 471 plate appearances as the primary second baseman last season. He’s slated to move to shortstop this year after Trea Turner departed via free agency. It’d be the first season in which the former top prospect serves as the Dodgers’ primary shortstop, as he’d moved to other positions in deference to Corey Seager and Turner in years past.
It’s too soon for anyone to know whether he’s in for an extended absence. If he requires time on the injured list, veteran Miguel Rojas would figure to step into an everyday role. Acquired from the Marlins in January, Rojas has been ticketed for a utility job off the bench. He’s a high-end defensive shortstop and has a lengthy track record as an everyday player at the position, though he’s not the same caliber of hitter as Lux.
Rojas has posted average or worse offensive numbers in every full season of his career. That includes a .236/.283/.323 showing in 507 plate appearances for Miami last season. Rojas underwent a pair of offseason surgeries on his right wrist, however, and playing through that discomfort could’ve adversely affected his production. He’s expected to be a full-go for the start of the season.
The Dodgers have Max Muncy and Miguel Vargas lined up for regular work at third and second base, respectively. Vargas is a highly-touted prospect who mashed in Triple-A last season but has very little MLB time. That’s also true of Michael Busch, who has yet to reach the majors. Offseason trade acquisition Yonny Hernández is on the 40-man roster as a depth option.
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