Feb. 28: ESPN’s Buster Olney reports that Lux is expected to miss significant time following yesterday’s injury, with one source simply telling him: “It is bad.”
Feb. 27: Dodgers shortstop Gavin Lux injured his right knee during this 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 this evening; the club will surely 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.
Williams is in camp as a non-roster infielder. Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports (Twitter link) that L.A. is also bringing in Bryson Brigman on a minor league contract. Brigman, who has never reached the majors, has played the middle infield in six minors campaigns in the Seattle and Miami organizations. A right-handed hitter, he posted a .251/.299/.369 line with eight homers in 105 Triple-A games last season.
Just bad Lux! All joking aside, here’s hoping he’s ok.
Agreed Gavin’s lux sux
From one who first tire up his knee playing softball, that popping sound is not good. Hopefully, if there is a tear, it’s just a meniscus. Good luck Gavin.
Dodger defense just got better. Trading for Miggy was good Lux.
After watching the video, his right knee goes the wrong way after he stumbled. Best case scenario is that he only dislocated his knee cap but it sure looked more serious than that. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was an ACL injury the way his leg bent after the stumble. He could be out for the season. Let’s hope that’s not the case.
that sux
Apparently he heard a pop…ACL is most likely culprit. At best he could return in 6-8 weeks with a scope and a brace. But he’d be a DH only and I would be fearful of him running the bases at all. Odd are he’s out for 6 months.
Zach-No chance it’ll only be 6-8 weeks. That’s the timeline for a small meniscus tear..and Olney is reporting that he was told, “it’s bad”..which is almost surely acl..and if that’s the case, he’s out for the year. Sucks..because even as a Padre fan, I enjoy watching him play..felt like he was on the verge of a breakout this year.
That is a big loss for the Dodgers. This was Lux’s opportunity to become a star. I hope his injury doesn’t end his 2023 season.
Hate to see it. Hopefully he’s back in short order
Yeah Dodgers no such Lux at all. Poor kid.
How is that not an ACL or MCL and surgery? I mean, I hope not, but realistically. Dodgers are thin at SS. Rojas is great to have. But who’d be up if something happened to him? And it’s a big offensive drop – although a defensive upgrade.. It’d have to be Taylor up next. In pinch, maybe that is ok BUT Dodgers would at a bare minimum need to add a MLB ready SS to the roster – even if on a minor-league deal.
We’re all hoping it’s not, but if it’s super-bad then go get Ronny Mauricio from the Mets. Great DoWL showing, seems to be sprouting in all areas… might just cost a one-for-one swap and we all know you guys have legit prospects galore. In a spot of good news, Pepiot looked great today. Cheers bud
They can have Paul DeJong
Jose Iglesias is still available
I heard his last album was pretty good.
That would be my choice.
It’ll almost surely be Iglesias..seems like the perfect fit.
I remember Jack McKeon once saying “if you have more MRIs than RBIs, that’s a problem.” Came to mind after reading about all the early injuries.
As for Lux, hope it’s good news for him.
LA got punched in the face today! LeBron James out for the season, Lux’s injury looked gnarly.
Dodger’s signed an infielder from the Marlins to a minor league contract just about an hour ago supposedly.
Could be a rough go of it for the boys in blue.
Dont fret….they will just write another check. No bother.
Yeah because they’ve written so many this winter.
They certainly have. Facts.
Yeah our season is over because Lux who has been a big disappointment ever since he got called up blew out his knee.
Hopefully it’s not serious but we’ll live.
Last season wasn’t a disappointment though..
“our”
It’s all about replacement performance. Lux was good last season but not very productive. The thought though was that he was going to take a step up this season. Plugging in Rojas or who else is likely a step down from Lux’s last season production. That’s the problem because across the board the Dodgers have question marks and this is yet another big question mark.
They have won 100 games every season since 2019 without getting much from Lux. They’ll be fine
Uh okay. But Seager is gone. So is Trea. Unless they’re trading for someone, who are you going to plug in Rojas? That’s a step down from Lux. So is Taylor unless he bounces back. I’m not saying this is a season breaker but it’s a big problem for the Dodgers.
IKF is available
No he is not.
Ohhh yes he is
can anyone say profar or kiner falefa??? just to name a few….. those that are available.
You do NOT want Profar as your main, 2nd or 3rd shortsto… wait a minute, what am I saying… yes, go get Profar to start at SS! Hurry before somebody else snags him!!!
Pay attention. Profar is no longer considered an IF. He’s not an option.
Shhhh! You’ll ruin the surprise!
Profar has not played SS since 2018 and there’s a reason for that, his infield defense is terrible.
Profar is not an Infielder at this point, he’s a semi-passable LF that can play a little 1B
I’m sure the boys in blue will figure it out but now probably wouldn’t be a bad time to duck under the tax for a year and then add Ohtani and a legit SS next year. Keep your Taylor and Lux for ultra utility guys and get it again for the next 3 years
McLain for Cartaya. McLain already > Lux. He’d shine for dodgers and is mlb ready
You won’t be able to pry IKF from Boone’s hands. In fact, if one gave Boone a choice between hurting his players’ feelings a land sitting them or losing and starting them, he would (and has) choose the latter.
Plus Cashman man-crushes Boone, Boone man-crushes…..well, everyone.
@Clipper, I do think Peraza will be the starter, unless Volpe pushes the issue. The Yankees don’t have competitions in Spring Training, unless maybe it’s for a backend reliever. They know coming in who has the job. In this case, they’ve already pulled the rug out from underneath IKF by claiming there’s a competition (which there isn’t). Even Hal declared he’d like to see a middle infield with Peraza and Volpe. They’re cheap talent! IKF won’t survive the season on the Yankees roster. He may be gone by opening day.
L99: I would love to believe that’s what’s happening, but Boone has been so obstinate I could easily see Hicks, JD, & IKF all starting again. He simply refuses to do what’s necessary because he feels he’s protecting the player (in some Stockholm way) by continuing to play him. I thinkBoone starting IKF leadoff and playing him at SS was Boone’s way of telling us he doesn’t care, but that could be me. If he had half the energy for the Yankees as he does for the Eagles it would be nice.
Im not suggesting you’re wrong – in fact, all available evidence points to your assessment as the correct one. Im merely speaking to my built-in distrust of the Cashman-Boone led Yankees.
On the Volpe note, he looked fantastic. Im still not convinced he’s a SS though (with Peraza here). Peraza is much more natural at the position. I believe Volpe will end up at 2nd or 3rd.
Calhoun didn’t look bad, Schmidt looked excellent, Pereira & Chaparro also seemed to perform well. Overall, there’s a lot to look forward to with the youngsters. In contrast, Hicks looked *exactly the same* with a rollover ground ball to the pull side. Donaldson still looks overmatched. Hopefully they will make the right decisions for the team.
@yc another reason i see nyy keeping him besides the boone-cash man crush for ikf (and hicks but that’s another deal altogether), is depth/insurance and at 6mil comes pretty cheap, and unfortunately history tells us that some key players for nyy are going to be on the dl at some point. also there is the possibility once the season starts volpe and peraza might not do as well at first playing under the big lights of yankee stadium and opposing players bringing there a game, not i’m working/experimenting on new things game that a lot of players do during st because the games don’t matter much there it’s about getting ready for summer
Brodie: Very true, my friend. Don’t get me wrong, I really like IKF, I just hate the way the Yankees utilize him. I think he’s a great player with a great attitude. The Yankees are the problem, not IKF. He’s an awesome UTL guy, imho. I hope he stays, but in that role, not as the starting SS.
i agree ikf is a ult guy and there is nothing wrong with that, in a lot of ways they may be an important piece to any ball club. i have to agree with the use of ikf, what’s the point of having volpe and preaza if your not going to get them regular ab’s at the ml level. ikf can still get regular playing time all over, between players needing off days and injuries.
@Clipper, I don’t disagree with your concerns. Where we probably differ is on the amount of control Boone has. I believe it’s Cashman directing the lineup based on Hal’s desires, which are built on what he’s paying. Hal has convulsions at the idea of cutting a player and still paying him. He’s 180 degrees different than George in that sense. So the Yankees passed on all the great SS’s the last two off seasons because they’re expensive and their goal is the have Peraza and Volpe take over. Cheap labor! We’re now at that point.
They’ll start the season with Donaldson at 3B to see what’s left, but if he’s shot, they’ll eventually move from a 70/30% platoon with Donaldson leading and LeMahieu supporting in a rotating role, to a 70/30 with LeMahieu leading and Donaldson sitting. Cabrera will pick up some of the infield slack. Not sure they’ll cut Donaldson, but his time will be reduced.
Yankee fans may not be happy on Opening Day with who is at 3B, but I do believe they have the solutions in house at 3B and SS. LF is the problem. They don’t have the solution…yet.
That’s a great point too… I agree, Hal’s payroll directs more actions than anything else. It’s sad. I think Hal is nervous to change from Cashman because brining someone else in that role will set the failures squarely on Hal’s shoulders.
Anything having to do with a ‘pop’ is a bad omen. Good thing they have Rojas.
Easily the weakest Dodgers team since 2016, which means they’ll win it all
Basically a zero chance that happens. The team stinks.
Zero?! C’mon
He’s been writing that drivel for years on here. Just ignore him.
Nick’s crying, folks
If it wasn’t for bad Lux the Dodgers would have no Lux at all…
Didn’t Rojas just tweak his oblique? Some Kiner Falafel sounds good to me.
He is not available. Boone is not going to let him go.
We have a guy that thinks Boone actually calls the shots…
IKF as the stopgap.
He is not available, he is on the Yankees roster and not being let go.
He is on the Yankees roster.
Jose Iglesias is still available. Not at the level of Rojas on defense but probably a little better hitter. Could at least slide into the utility role that Rojas was ticketed for.
At this point a minor league invite probably gets Iglesias but in reality this is why they got Rojas and immediately signed him to an extension
If they did sign Iglesias as a utility guy and he got a spot start at SS would teaming with Vargas make for the potential first MLB Cuban keystone combo?
If the Lux injury ends up being as serious as it looked and he’s out long term then signing Iglesias on a major league deal would seem to make sense.
Hate to see injuries to any player. Hopefully Gavin dodges a major injury and just has a hitch in his giddy up til it heals…
Looked painful as hell. I hope it’s better than it looks and he is only out for a short time.
Dodgers are fine with Rojas as the everyday SS if Lux is out. Taylor is fine as a backup SS/starting OF. No need to acquire anyone.
Define “fine”. Rojas likely not going to produce at the plate. Which is fine if everyone else hits. So you need to get Vargas/Peralta/Thompson etc. hitting or else you’re going to have four easy outs in the bottom of the order. And that’s not “fine”. Together with a rotation that is likely less fine than last season.
2015 – I’ve read your posts and and happy to see I’ve found a Dodger fan that sees the team realistically. I hope he isn’t seriously hurt – I was watching game and i couldn’t watch replay – but if he is, this team is filled with about 8-10 question marks.
Maybe they all get answered good, who knows but until they are, this is definitely the weakest Dodger team in years.
I’d say all teams are subject to an injury at some point – they just got theirs early. Things tend to even out over 162.
Best wishes to Lux as a person (not as a Dodger) to get well and return.
Yep, I’d agree. Credit to the Dodgers that they have been able to answer some question marks in the past. Last season it was Heaney and Anderson, while Gonsolin took a step up. Bullpen pieces performed very well. They found some magic from Trayce Thompson and Lux improved. Kershaw got hurt again but posted good numbers. Etc.
But I agree that there are a lot more question marks this season and this may be the season that the Dodgers get passed by the Padres and perhaps not make the playoffs. Still have enough talent to get into the playoffs but without any moves you wonder if they can realistically make a WS run. Likely not. Lux going down certainly didn’t help.
The baseball gods really don’t like Lux.
I’m glad that you typed “the baseball gods” with a small “g”. I know it’s a common phrase but it still irks me. For me and my household, we will serve & worship the one true God. With that being said, let’s get back to talking about baseball.
da fuq?
@steve come on man every knows alanis morissette is the one true god. (had to throw in a dogma reference)
I would have gone with Morgan Freeman
not a bad pick freeman played a good god in bruce almighty but i went with alanis because i’m big kevin smith fan (if it wasn’t obvious from my profile pic lol)
Did I hit a nerve?
Prospect, that you felt the need to write that comment is just plain weird.
Don’t F with my man’s religion or my man’s baseball! Sh@ts serious!
@pt Even more weird is a guy critiquing comments on a baseball site and not even mentioning baseball.
And there is the guy critiquing the guy that is critiquing comments on a baseball site and not mentioning baseball… who is ALSO doing the same thing.
And there’s this one guy who posts like 50 times about IKF not being available.
I’d prefer non-baseball guy over redundant and boring clueless guy.
@DogDays, Nick has picked an unusual hill to die on.
Call up a Dominican.
Thomas Aquinas doesn’t have the range that he used to.
Didn’t he used to play for New Orleans?
First Vargas and now Lux. Dodgers are leaking oil.
Dodgers have plenty of prospects – go get Baez from the tigers.
Based on the comments after the loss in the postseason, it was the new playoff format that eliminated the Didgers and not the SS. I think they will be ok, until the playoffs when that sneaky format eliminates them again.
No sir, it wasn’t a system that eliminated the Dodgers!
It was the San Diego Super Padres! Yea, get used to it cause they’re coming for you again!
Ooh yea, F the Chargers too! San Diego Super Padres!
Folks. Does this matter? The Dodgers new infield is already weak as can be and the Padres will be “Slaying the Dragon” for a second year in a row, if not permanently. Most of you are still overrating the Dodgers. Have fun finishing with a 500 record. Nobody cares about Lux…..outside of Betts (overrated) and Freeman, y’all have NOBODY. Times have changed Angelenos. I know it. And deep down all of you know it too….
I see your boy Musgrove broke his big toe meathead.
Dave Roberts just called McDonalds for a manager position opening as outside of baseball he has absolutely NO skills so considering the demise of his pathetic club I suggest he begin making some phone calls……
when did roberts get a promotion to pbo, man he must be wearing thin being not only the manger but also in charge of everything bb related.
last i checked friedman is in charge of building the roster not roberts, all roberts can do is put the best players he has in positions that will help the team win and that goes for the other 29 clubs in mlb
I feel bad for Lux and don’t wish injury on anyone.
The Dodgers don’t have as much talent as years past and the NLW is much improved. Hopefully this does not end being the reason they miss the playoffs for the first time in forever.
That said, the season is a long one. Hopefully Lux can return in 6 months and use September to get ready for the playoffs
Rooting for an Astros- Dodgers World Series rematch.
You made a typo Astrosfn1979. I think you meant to say Astros/Padres. You clearly didn’t read my prior post. The Padres are now the king of the west (not the Dodgers anymore), or have you still not gotten the memo?
I said HOPE
I fully expect the Padres to win the West. I’m impressed with the roster they have built, though I think Tatis is wasted in the OF.
And the Machado extension is going to make it harder for the Astros to extend my man Bregman.
The Dodgers should still make the playoffs though and EVERY Astros fan is praying to get another chance to beat them again in hopes of finally shutting up their whiney fans.
But if I were a betting man I would bet Astros-Padres.
Noted Astros Fan79. thanks for clarifying. You make good points. Interesting season ahead that’s for sure.
The Padres have proven absolutely nothing. Gotta win first, cant just giveaway money for that title. Just ask the Mets.
Long season, and while the Padres have improved, they still finished 22 games behind the Dodgers in 2022 and 17 games back in 2021. If he’s going to miss significant time (and the “it’s bad” comment makes it sound like he will), then they’ll probably make a move. Kiner-Falefa put up a three rWAR season last year and seems redundant in NY. That could be one option to plug SS for a few months. SS though is a big question mark now, especially going from Seager to Turner and then a top prospect in Lux.
RobM. It’s no longer 2022. That’s the past. Tatis among others are back this season and the Dodgers and their fake d-bag fans are shaking in their boots. Again, I know it and everyone else knows it too. So pathetic how often “fans” live in the past. I prefer to focus on the present and future. 2022 is over and done with. Just stop…
While my money is on the Padres, I agree with Rob that they still need to prove it on the field and the Dodgers have the prospects to bring in players to fill holes if needed.
If they could make another deal like Max and Trea it becomes a whole different division grudge match.
As it sits now SD is the better team but 162 games is a season of attrition and lots can happen.
Serious question, jokes aside. From a team rival perspective do the Dodgers think they can compete against us by naming Max Muncy and Miguel Rojas (plus Lux) as their starters? That is a laughable comparison to Manny and Xander!
@DieHard, I don’t have a horse in either race here. I wasn’t predicting the Dodgers will fail, mostly just countering a developing narrative that they will. The Dodgers will remain a tough opponent. The Padres should be very good this year too.
Pathetic replacements for Seager and Justin Turner.
Ya I was mainly referring to anyone who is a dodgers fan not you specifically, Lordd99. You know the type. Fake. Bandwagon. Out of state east coast trash trying to be cool at Dodgers stadium. Posers, Cholos and dbags galore. Tell me I’m wrong I dare someone. I just described the Dodgers fan base perfectly.
2 players from a 26 man roster where at least 18-20 must play regularly and contribute is a pretty weak argument by itself
Not weak. That’s an entire half of an infield where strong hitting is expected. Look at Muncy and everyone else BA. Also the article is about a player who mans the left side but ok. Last I checked there are NINE starters with big expectations. Not 26 at once so your argument is garbage. So much for me being complimentary earlier. I have rescinded. Your team is a group of hated cheaters btw
There are TEN (not 9) players at any given time in any given game.
But this isn’t 1900 – no team can win enough to make the playoffs without depth. And the players in September and October are rarely the same ones from April.
Sorry I bruised your fragile ego and made you all defensive.
@Diehard, I know it wasn’t directed at me. Just tossing my two cents into the thread. I would pick the Padres now, but I don’t expect the Dodgers to go away.
Oh, I know it’s not 2022 @DiehardFriarsFan. Without re-reading my note, I don’t believe I implied anything negative about the Padres for 2023. Adding Bogaerts and the return of Tatis should significantly upgrade the Pads, while the Dodgers losing Turner will downgrade them. I haven’t done a complete look at the rosters yet to figure who I have first and second yet. Maybe the Giants will surprise again too.
There are 20+ SS prospects on MLB Pipeline’s top 100 list. The Reds have 3 in the top 50. Maybe a trade with the Reds, say Pepiot for a SS.
Great point.
Counter point – less than 1/4 of them will end up as starting shortstops in the Bigs.
Can’t argue that.
The Orioles have extra Shortstops
Paul DeJong is sitting there with a “retooled swing” just looking for a job lol, come get him.
Adames/Burnes/Taylor for Lux/Gonsolin/Cartaya/Rojas
Who says no? (other than everybody)
IKF would be a nice fit, except he makes 6 million. Not sure the extent of salary constraints for Dodgers. IKF would probably do better in the laid back Southern Cal climate than in the pressure cooker of the Big Apple. He would be a better everyday SS than Rojas and a better utility infielder as well when Lux returns.
Six million isn’t that much on a one year deal. The question is are the Dodgers still attempting to get under the luxury tax threshold. I believe they’re already above it, so unless they have a plan to retreat under it by trading other players, then it seems like they need to shelve that plan. Adding six million won’t be an issue.
Should have left him at 2nd base
Taylor can handle SS. Dodgers need an OF. Time to call Pittsburgh and work out a deal for Bryan Reynolds. Clearly the Bucs are open to a trade, and clearly the Dodgers are in a position where they can risk an “over-pay” result. Miller and Stone for Reynolds?
Whoever gets Reynolds will be in great shape and much improved.
His extension salary expectations look to be reasonable and he wants to stay in Pittsburgh.
If they really are trying to compete its stupid to not lock hi. Up.
“His extension salary expectations look to be reasonable and he wants to stay in Pittsburgh.”
I thought Reynolds asked to be traded?
This is from an article on this site.
Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette said yesterday that he expects star Pirates outfielder Bryan Reynolds and club officials to resume discussions regarding a possible extension at some point soon. That Reynolds and the Pirates would resume talks is of little surprise. While the sides were around $50MM apart in previous discussions and Reynolds went as far as to request a trade back in December, since reporting to camp last week Reynolds has reiterated that he would still be interested in extending his stay in Pittsburgh, so long as a deal that’s fair for all parties is presented
Being real, the Dodgers are in a real tough spot offensively now. You can’t replace guys like Justin and Trae Turner with guys like Rojas and Vargas and expect to have anywhere near the same offensive output..and aside from Betts, Freeman, Smith, and mayyyybe Martinez, there are a lot of question marks there..
Realistically, if the Dodgers are gonna win more than 85 games or so this year, it’s gonna be almost entirely reliant on their pitching..and they’d better hope that guys like Kerahaw and May don’t miss any significant time..or they’re in trouble..and by trouble, I mean they may even get passed by the Giants or Diamondbacks..
And yes by the way..I’d be shocked if the Padres don’t win the division.
Just saw torn ACL for Lux. Been there, I feel for the guy.
“Been there?” Lux will get $720,000 for not playing. Doesn’t matter, he can surge for a career year in 2026 and make a mega deal.
I’m an Oriole fan.. Elias might trade Mateo to Dodgers for young pitching.. we have tons of infield depth and wouldn’t hurt us much at all if any.. Win win for both teams