Gavin Lux was expected to claim the starting job at shortstop for the Los Angeles Dodgers last season, but he suffered a torn ACL and LCL in his right knee during spring training that cost him the entire year.
Lux underwent surgery and navigated a long rehab process that has continued into the offseason. The 26-year-old has regularly worked out at Dodger Stadium and is expected to be a full-time participant in spring training.
During an interview with John Hartung, Jerry Hairston Jr., and Bill Plunkett, Lux said he is no longer dealing with physical or mental hurdles from the knee injury after some initial challenges, via SportsNet LA:
“Truthfully, not really. When I first started taking ground balls again, probably about two months ago or so, it was the initial reacting off the ball. Like the little tennis pre-pitch hop and then going. I think the quick, reactionary, change of direction was probably the scariest part. But I think mentally I’m so far past that right now where it’s like I don’t even really think about it anymore, which is great. But it took a little bit to get to that point. And I think the mental hurdles are way harder than the physical, truthfully.”
It’s promising that Lux has already looked to the future as an injury that nature could take a long-term toll on players. Last season, he spoke of the mental challenge of recovering while being away from the team.
Lux’s last full season came in 2022, when he hit.276/.346/.399 with 33 extra-base hits while appearing in three different positions.
While the Dodgers have high expectations for Lux, they can afford to ease him back in due to their deep roster and Miguel Rojas being able to play shortstop if needed.
Gavin Lux blocked out trade speculation for shortstop upgrade
There have been rumblings at various points this offseason that the Dodgers could potentially look to upgrade the shortstop. L.A. has been linked to the likes of Willy Adames, Bo Bichette, and Jorge Polanco.
Lux said he tuned out the chatter and appreciated several Dodgers front office executives giving him a ringing endorsement.
