GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Dodgers started arriving in Arizona a month ago with a set lineup and few roster spots up for grabs.
That might be changing.
After Tuesday’s game during which Gavin Lux made a number of less-than-ideal throws from shortstop, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Lux just needed time to regain his confidence at the position after missing all of 2023 following a knee injury.
Roberts was more non-committal on Wednesday, stepping back from declaring full confidence in Lux.
“Obviously, performance is paramount at this level, and for our team vying to win a championship,” Roberts said when asked about Lux. “So I don’t know what’s going to happen. But I do know that it will be in the vein of whatever gives us the best chance to win.”
Asked directly if Lux would be the shortstop on Opening Day in South Korea, Roberts said, “I don’t know.”The Dodgers have three other options for the position – Miguel Rojas, Kiké Hernandez and Chris Taylor. Rojas and Hernandez are both much better defenders than Lux. Taylor has played more outfield than infield over the past two seasons while recovering from surgery to remove bone chips in his right elbow and dealing with a knee problem last season.
“I think that with the certainty of Miguel Rojas being able to play shortstop, I don’t know how it affects Gavin in terms of playing time,” Roberts said of Rojas, who started 108 games at shortstop for the Dodgers last season. “It’s more of feeling like you have depth at that position that’s dependable.”
Lux offers a great deal more offensive upside than Rojas, but Roberts acknowledged that shortstop is a position where defense is more important.
“I think that’s fair,” Roberts said. “You’re talking about a pitching staff that strikes some guys out but also puts some balls in play. You could argue that shortstop and catcher are the most premium positions, and defense should be a priority.”
Lux declined to speak with…
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