*Photo from the Los Angeles Times*
The worst case news is what just happened here. Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Gavin Lux was carted off the field during Monday's Spring Training game with an apparent knee injury and will miss the 2023 season.
After undergoing further testing, it was revealed that Lux tore his right ACL and sustained damage to his LCL as well. He will undergo surgery on March 7 which will likely keep him out for the season. Lux was hurt while running towards 3rd base in the 6th inning of Monday's game against the San Diego Padres, having to be carted off the field.
Lux was set to take over as the Dodgers starting shortstop following the departure of Trea Turner this offseason, with Miguel Rojas manning second base. Instead, Rojas will now handle the bulk of the work at shortstop, with the Dodgers now needing to cover time at second base as well.
Rojas commented on the situation, saying that "The first thing that I felt was really pain for Gavin. A young kid that has been working his ass off to get ready for the season to be the everyday shortstop for this team. He’s a big part of this club. I just feel bad for him that he has to go through whatever he’s going to have to go through."
Previously, Lux had been serving in a utility role, playing all over the infield as well as left field. Lux ended 2022 with a .276 batting average, .399 slugging percentage, and .745 OPS, hitting 6 home runs with 42 RBI's and 7 stolen bases in 129 games.
If the Dodgers opt to add a free agent to replace Lux, Jose Iglesias represents the best available option at shortstop, with Didi Gregorius and Andrelton Simmons also available. Rougned Odor and Jonathan Villar are the best free agent second basemen on the market if the Dodgers go in that direction.
The Dodgers also have some options internally. Infield prospects Miguel Vargas, Yonny Hernandez and Michael Busch factor into the mix, with utility player Chris Taylor able to play the infield well. Mookie Betts, who originally came up as a second baseman, can also play second base if needed.
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