Gavin Lux’s Offensive Struggles Attributed To ‘Mechanical’ Issue

The 2024 season has not gone according to plan for Gavin Lux, who was expected to be the Los Angeles Dodgers’ starting shortstop after missing all of last year due to a torn ACL and LCL in his right knee.

However, the 26-year-old struggled defensively at the position in Spring Training and was moved to second base prior to the start of the regular season.

Lux swung the bat well during Cactus League play but that has not carried over into the Dodgers’ regular season schedule. Through 19 games (16 starts), he is hitting just .148/.224/.164 with one double, two RBI, six walks and 16 strikeouts in 67 plate appearances.

“No, I don’t think so,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts answered when asked if Lux’s offense struggles are related to his health. “I think physically, Gavin is in a great spot. I think there’s an approach, there’s a mechanical part that’s sort of playing into the inconsistencies early.”

One of Lux’s biggest issues has been strikeouts as he is whiffing at a 23.9% clip — his highest rate since the shortened 2020 season. “I’m seeing the ball fine,” Lux said earlier this month.

“Not really getting hits, but more process over results at this point. Just trying to barrel the ball, control the strike zone, have good at-bats and flip it over to the top.”

Gavin Lux trying to get re-acclimated

Lux previously noted that body soreness has been a challenge for him as he gets used to a full MLB schedule again, which can also partly explain his slow start at the plate.

“That soreness after playing a couple games in a row, that’s coming back,” Lux said. “Which I honestly missed last year, believe it or not. It’s just trying to handle that soreness with your body. That’s the hardest part, but it feels good to be back out there.”